Under the theme “Fostering Effective Civil Services, High Safety Standards, and Low Pollution,” the assembly is tackling critical issues affecting the region’s maritime sector, from inland waterway safety to the launch of the MOWCA Regional Maritime Fund and the Regional Maritime Development Bank.
Delegates will also review capacity-building programs, environmental protection initiatives, and regional trade facilitation strategies.
Secretary-General of MOWCA, Paul Adalikwu, in his remarks, praised The Gambia, and highlighted the importance of the MOWCA session. “This is a chance to strengthen governance, ensure maritime safety, protect our environment, and foster regional cooperation,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership of the Republic of Congo for guiding MOWCA through a period of reform and growth.
Representative of the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Samba C. Mballow, highlighted that with The Gambia set to assume the presidency of MOWCA for the next two years, MOWCA’s optimism is that the country would continue consolidating institutional reforms and advancing regional maritime integration.
Mballow emphasised that Africa’s maritime sector is a vital engine for economic growth, employment and sustainable development.
The five-day assembly, running through February 20, will culminate in ministerial-level sessions where expert recommendations will shape policy and guide the organisation for the next 50 years.
