West African nations team up to strengthen maritime transport and blue economy

The Sénégal and Guinée-Bissau have taken a decisive step toward deepening collaboration in maritime transport and advancing the blue economy during a high-level forum held in Dakar. The gathering brought together ministers, maritime authorities, industry experts, and development partners to address critical challenges and opportunities in West Africa’s maritime sector.

The Guinée-Bissau delegation, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, included top officials such as Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinée-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of the Ports Administration of Guinée-Bissau. Their participation underscored the country’s commitment to modernizing port infrastructure, enhancing maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea, and fostering regional integration to drive economic growth.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Sénégal, opened the forum and welcomed Guinée-Bissau as a “fraternal nation,” emphasizing the need for stronger regional cooperation to overcome shared maritime challenges and unlock the potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development in Africa.

Key priorities and strategic discussions

Over two days, participants explored a wide range of priorities aimed at transforming the maritime and logistics landscape in West Africa:

• Upgrading coastal shipping services to improve connectivity and trade efficiency
• Expanding and modernizing port infrastructure to accommodate growing maritime traffic
• Strengthening the shipbuilding and repair industry to support local economies
• Advancing eco-friendly shipping practices and reducing carbon emissions in port operations
• Accelerating digital transformation across maritime logistics and supply chains
• Investing in human capital development through targeted training programs
• Promoting research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in maritime sciences
• Mobilizing investment through public-private partnerships to fund critical infrastructure

Fostering collaboration and investment

In addition to plenary sessions, the forum featured an international exhibition and business networking events, creating a platform for public and private actors to forge new partnerships and explore investment opportunities in the maritime and logistics sectors. These interactions are expected to catalyze joint projects and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

The event aligns with the Sénégal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025–2029, which aim to position the country as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa. By prioritizing regional cooperation and sustainable maritime practices, both nations are working toward a shared vision of economic resilience, connectivity, and environmental stewardship.