West African nations unite to advance blue economy and maritime transport
The Senegal and Guinea-Bissau have solidified their commitment to deepen collaboration in maritime transport and the blue economy during a high-level forum in Dakar. The event, focused on sustainable maritime development and logistics, brought together policymakers, maritime authorities, and industry experts to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector.
High-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau participates in Dakar talks
Florentino Mendes Pereira, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, led a senior delegation to the forum. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation in maritime governance, port logistics, and economic integration across West Africa.
Addressing delegates, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, praised Guinea-Bissau’s involvement as a “fraternal nation,” emphasizing that enhanced cooperation is essential to overcoming maritime challenges and unlocking the full potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable growth.
Strategic priorities: modernization, safety, and regional integration
For Guinea-Bissau, participation in the forum aligns with a broader national strategy to upgrade port and maritime infrastructure, strengthen security in the Gulf of Guinea, and deepen regional partnerships that support economic progress.
Over two days of intensive discussions, participants explored key priorities, including:
- Modernizing coastal shipping services
- Developing state-of-the-art port infrastructure
- Boosting the shipbuilding and repair industry
- Accelerating the green transition in maritime transport
- Advancing digital transformation in logistics
- Investing in human capital development and vocational training
- Fostering scientific research and innovation
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to mobilize funding
The forum also featured an international exhibition and business networking sessions, providing public and private stakeholders with new avenues for cooperation and investment in maritime and logistics sectors.
Key figures engage in strategic dialogue
At the invitation of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOMAOC), the Guinea-Bissau delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinea-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of Ports Administration in Guinea-Bissau.
Senegal’s long-term vision drives regional leadership
The forum reflects Senegal’s ambition under its Senegal Vision 2050 and National Development Strategy 2025–2029. These strategic frameworks aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa, while fostering stronger regional collaboration centered on the blue economy.
