Senegal and Guinea-Bissau unite to advance maritime transport and blue economy
The commitment to strengthening maritime transport and the blue economy in West Africa took center stage at a high-level international forum in Dakar. Delegations from Guinea-Bissau and Senegal convened to discuss critical strategies for enhancing regional connectivity, port efficiency, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
The Guinean delegation, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, engaged with political leaders, maritime authorities, and development partners. The delegation 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 Ports Administration of Guinea-Bissau.
During the forum, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal emphasized the strategic importance of Guinea-Bissau as a “brother nation” in fostering regional cooperation. He highlighted the shared vision of leveraging the blue economy to drive sustainable development across West Africa.
Key priorities for maritime and port sector development
The two-day discussions focused on transformative initiatives to modernize the maritime sector. Among the priorities were the enhancement of cabotage services, upgrading port infrastructure, boosting the shipbuilding industry, and accelerating the digital transformation of maritime logistics.
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the talks, with participants exploring ways to transition toward greener maritime transport. Additional emphasis was placed on human resource development, scientific research, innovation, and mobilizing funding through public-private partnerships.
An international exhibition and business networking sessions provided opportunities for public and private sector stakeholders to forge new alliances and explore investment prospects in maritime and logistics.
Strategic regional integration and long-term vision
The forum aligns with Senegal’s Vision 2050 and its National Development Strategy (2025-2029), which aims to position the country as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa. Guinea-Bissau’s participation reflects its broader strategy to modernize port facilities, enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and deepen regional integration.
The gathering underscored the growing momentum in West Africa to harness the potential of the blue economy for economic diversification and regional prosperity.