By Abbas Nazil
The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing maritime trade in the Gulf of Guinea as a safer and more viable trade corridor amid rising insecurity in the Red Sea.
The partnership comes as global shipping continues to face disruptions due to persistent armed conflicts in the Red Sea region.
In response, the two institutions are exploring the redirection of maritime traffic from the volatile Red Sea to the relatively stable waters of West and Central Africa.
MOWCA and AfDB are also finalising arrangements to support the development of dry docks across the region.
These facilities are expected to not only boost maritime maintenance capabilities but also expand trade potential beyond coastal cities by improving logistical connectivity between seaports and inland areas.
The initiative underscores the commitment of both institutions to advancing Africa’s blue economy and enhancing maritime infrastructure in a way that stimulates economic growth and regional integration.
Speaking during his first official engagement with the newly appointed Congolese Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, and Merchant Marine, Ingrid Olga Ebouka-Babakas, the Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr Paul Adalikwu, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to promoting safe, efficient, and cost-effective shipping within its member states.
Related Posts
He emphasised MOWCA’s ongoing efforts in partnership with AfDB to position the Gulf of Guinea as a strategic trade route that could serve as a dependable alternative to traditional global shipping lanes.
Adalikwu revealed that MOWCA is maintaining active communication with both regional governments and multinational corporations operating in West and Central Africa’s maritime sector.
These engagements aim to combat maritime threats such as piracy, ensuring the safety of crew members, cargo, and vessels.
He highlighted that such collaborative efforts are essential for fostering a secure maritime environment and for driving sustainable economic development through the blue economy.
Further elaborating on the dry dock initiative, Adalikwu explained that the project is designed to broaden the scope of maritime trade and foster inland waterway development.
He stressed the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring strict enforcement of safety protocols, particularly in high-risk zones such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congolese Minister Ebouka-Babakas, while commending Adalikwu for his visionary leadership, pledged Congo’s unwavering support for MOWCA’s objectives.
She lauded his efforts at upholding the mission of the organisation’s founding fathers, fifty years after its inception, and reaffirmed Congo’s commitment to fully leveraging its maritime potential in line with regional development goals.
