Dakar — High-level representatives from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening maritime transport collaboration to propel the blue economy across West Africa. The announcement came during the International Forum on Sustainable Maritime Transport and Logistics for the Blue Economy, held in Dakar.
Strategic partnerships take center stage at Dakar maritime summit
The Guinea-Bissau delegation, led by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy Florentino Mendes Pereira, engaged in high-level discussions with policymakers, maritime authorities, industry experts and development partners. The agenda centered on maritime governance, port logistics and regional integration challenges, shaping the future of sustainable maritime development in the Gulf of Guinea.
Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed Guinea-Bissau as a “fraternal nation,” emphasizing the critical role of strengthened maritime cooperation in overcoming sectoral hurdles and transforming the blue economy into a pillar of sustainable growth for the region.
Guinea-Bissau outlines bold vision for maritime modernization
For Guinea-Bissau, participation in the forum aligns with a broader strategic roadmap aimed at upgrading port and maritime infrastructure, enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and reinforcing regional partnerships to fuel economic progress.
Key discussion themes shape future of West African maritime sector
Over two days of intensive deliberations, participants explored critical priority areas including:
- Streamlining cabotage services to boost regional connectivity
- Expanding and modernizing port infrastructures to meet growing demand
- Advancing shipbuilding and maritime industry capabilities
- Accelerating the transition toward eco-friendly maritime transport solutions
- Digitalizing maritime logistics and operations through technological innovation
The exchanges also highlighted the importance of human capital development, scientific research, innovation and the mobilization of funding—particularly through public-private partnerships—to accelerate sectoral transformation.
Networking and collaboration fuel new opportunities
An accompanying international exhibition and business networking sessions provided a dynamic platform for public and private sector stakeholders to forge new alliances, explore investment avenues and identify collaborative ventures within the maritime and logistics sectors.
The Guinea-Bissau delegation included 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.
Senegal’s national ambitions align with regional blue economy goals
The forum was organized by the Senegalese government as part of its Vision Sénégal 2050 and the 2025–2029 National Development Strategy. These initiatives aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa while fostering deeper regional cooperation around the blue economy.
