West African nations unite to propel maritime transport and blue economy

Dakar played host to a landmark gathering as Senegal and Guinea-Bissau solidified their commitment to advancing maritime transport and the blue economy across West Africa. The International Forum on Sustainable Development of Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy brought together policymakers, maritime authorities, industry experts, and development partners to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector.

High-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau leads regional cooperation drive

The Guinean delegation, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transports, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, underscored the importance of regional integration. The high-profile team included key figures such as Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinea-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of the Port Administration of Guinea-Bissau.

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, opened the event and praised Guinea-Bissau’s participation as a “brother nation.” He emphasized that strengthened maritime cooperation is essential to overcoming sectoral hurdles and positioning the blue economy as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth in the region.

Strategic priorities take center stage at forum

Over two intensive days, participants delved into critical areas to drive the maritime sector forward, including:

• Modernizing coastal shipping services to enhance regional connectivity
• Upgrading port infrastructure to meet international standards
• Expanding the shipbuilding and naval industry to boost local capacity
• Accelerating the green transition in maritime transport to reduce carbon emissions
• Harnessing digital innovation to streamline logistics and trade operations

The discussions also highlighted the need for skilled workforce development, cutting-edge research, and sustainable financing models, particularly through public-private partnerships, to sustain long-term progress.

Business and innovation converge at maritime expo

Beyond formal sessions, the forum featured an international exhibition and business matchmaking events, providing a platform for public and private stakeholders to forge new alliances and explore investment opportunities in maritime transport and logistics. These interactions aimed to translate policy discussions into tangible projects that could reshape the region’s economic landscape.

A vision for Senegal’s maritime leadership

The event aligns with Senegal’s broader ambitions outlined in the Vision Senegal 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029. By positioning itself as a premier logistics and maritime hub in West Africa, Senegal seeks to foster deeper regional cooperation and unlock the full potential of the blue economy for shared prosperity.