Sénégal and Guinea-Bissau deepen maritime ties at west africa blue economy forum
Dakar witnessed a landmark gathering as high-level officials from Sénégal and Guinea-Bissau convened to fortify cooperation in maritime transport and the blue economy across West Africa. The International Forum on Sustainable Development of Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy, held in the Senegalese capital, brought together policymakers, maritime authorities, and development partners to address critical challenges in port governance, logistics, and regional integration.
Leading Guinea-Bissau’s delegation, Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, underscored the shared vision of accelerating maritime development as a catalyst for economic growth. The forum, attended by political leaders, maritime experts, and development stakeholders, served as a platform to explore collaborative solutions for enhancing port infrastructure, strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and fostering regional partnerships.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Sénégal, opened the event by welcoming Guinea-Bissau—a “fraternal country”—and reiterated the need for unified action to harness the potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development across the subregion.
Key priorities discussed at the forum
The two-day deliberations focused on transformative initiatives to modernize West Africa’s maritime landscape. Discussions centered on:
- Enhancing cabotage services to improve regional connectivity and trade efficiency.
- Upgrading port infrastructure to meet international standards and boost trade competitiveness.
- Advancing shipbuilding and repair industries to reduce reliance on foreign vessels and services.
- Promoting eco-friendly maritime transport through green technologies and decarbonization strategies.
- Digitalizing port operations to streamline logistics and improve service delivery.
- Investing in human capital through targeted training and capacity-building programs.
- Strengthening scientific research and innovation to support sustainable maritime practices.
- Leveraging public-private partnerships to mobilize critical funding for large-scale projects.
Participants also engaged in an international exhibition and business matchmaking sessions, creating opportunities for public and private sectors to forge new alliances and investment ventures in maritime and logistics.
Guinea-Bissau’s strategic role in regional maritime integration
The delegation from Guinea-Bissau included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of Ports Administration. Their presence highlighted the country’s commitment to modernizing its maritime sector and aligning with regional initiatives.
Aligned with Sénégal’s Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, the forum reinforces the goal of positioning Sénégal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa. The event also underscores the broader ambition of strengthening intra-African cooperation under the blue economy framework, fostering economic resilience and sustainable growth across the region.
