Dakar — High-level officials from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau gathered in the Senegalese capital this month to reinforce their commitment to advancing maritime transport and blue economy initiatives across West Africa. The two-day forum, dedicated to sustainable maritime development and logistics, served as a platform for policymakers, maritime authorities, and industry experts to address critical challenges in port governance, regional integration, and climate-smart shipping solutions.

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 modernizing coastal shipping services, expanding port infrastructure, and accelerating the sector’s digital transformation. The visit underscores Guinea-Bissau’s proactive approach to strengthening its maritime sector and deepening cross-border partnerships in the Gulf of Guinea.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, describing Guinea-Bissau as a “sister country,” and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to unlock the full potential of the blue economy. “The sea connects us, and together, we can turn maritime challenges into engines of sustainable growth,” he noted.

Key priorities on the agenda included upgrading port facilities, enhancing maritime safety, and fostering public-private partnerships to fund critical infrastructure projects. Discussions also focused on workforce development, research collaboration, and eco-friendly shipping innovations to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency in the sector.

In addition to policy dialogues, the event featured an international exhibition and business networking sessions, giving maritime operators, logistics firms, and financial institutions a chance to forge new alliances. Among the Guinean-Bissau delegates were Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of Ports Administration, reflecting the high-level engagement in strengthening institutional capacities.

The forum aligns with Senegal’s long-term development goals, including Vision Sénégal 2050 and the 2025–2029 National Development Strategy, which aim to position the country as a premier logistics and maritime hub in West Africa. By prioritizing regional cooperation, both nations are taking concrete steps to build a more connected, resilient, and sustainable maritime sector for the continent.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter