Dakar — Guinea-Bissau and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening maritime cooperation as a catalyst for sustainable growth in West Africa’s blue economy. The pledge came during the International Forum on Sustainable Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy, held in Dakar, where policymakers, maritime authorities, and development partners gathered to address key challenges in the sector.
High-level engagement drives regional maritime ambitions
The delegation from Guinea-Bissau, led by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Florentino Mendes Pereira, joined counterparts from across the region to explore strategies for enhancing port logistics, maritime governance, and regional integration. The delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of Guinea-Bissau’s Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of the country’s Port Administration.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opened the forum and welcomed Guinea-Bissau as a “fraternal nation,” emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration to overcome maritime sector challenges and position the blue economy as a driver of long-term prosperity in Africa.
Key priorities take center stage at forum
Over two days of discussions, participants focused on critical areas such as upgrading coastal shipping services, expanding port infrastructure, modernizing shipbuilding, and advancing the ecological transition of maritime transport. Digital transformation, workforce training, scientific research, and innovation were also highlighted as essential components for sectoral development. Financial mobilization, particularly through public-private partnerships, emerged as a key lever for implementation.
Business opportunities emerge alongside policy dialogue
Beyond policy debates, an international exhibition and business networking sessions provided a platform for public and private stakeholders to forge new partnerships and investment opportunities in maritime and logistics. These interactions underscored the forum’s dual role as both a policy forum and a marketplace for sustainable maritime development.
Hosted by the Senegalese government, the event aligns with the Vision Sénégal 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, which aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa while fostering stronger regional cooperation under the blue economy framework.