The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure will host the 12th Ordinary Session of the Bureau of Ministers of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) on 16 and 17 November 2026 in Banjul, bringing together ministers, senior government officials and maritime experts from across the region.
The Bureau of Ministers serves as the governing body that meets between sessions of the MOWCA General Assembly to review progress and consider the implementation of decisions adopted by Member States. The session therefore provides an important opportunity to assess the organization’s activities and provide strategic direction on priority maritime issues facing the region.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time for the organization as member states consider key reforms aimed at strengthening regional maritime cooperation and accelerating maritime development. Discussions will focus on the implementation of MOWCA’s 2026 work programme, the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), institutional and financial reforms, Member States’ contributions under the Regional Maritime Fund mechanism, and the proposed transformation of MOWCA into the African Maritime Organization (AMO). Delegates will also consider a proposal for convening the first MOWCA Summit of Heads of State.
Speaking ahead of the session, Counsel Olimatou Danso-Malang, Director General of the Gambia Maritime Administration, described the meeting as an important opportunity to advance regional maritime governance and strengthen collaboration among member states.
She emphasised the need to translate regional commitments into concrete action, particularly in maritime safety and security, marine environmental protection, port development and the promotion of the blue economy.
The meeting further underscores The Gambia’s growing leadership role within MOWCA. Earlier this year, the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, assumed the Chairmanship of MOWCA, while Counsel Olimatou Danso-Malang was elected Chairperson of the Committee of Experts.
The Meeting of Experts will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the ministerial session. Recommendations arising from the technical deliberations will be consolidated into draft recommendations for consideration by the Bureau of Ministers, providing the basis for policy decisions on key institutional, financial and strategic maritime matters before the Organization.
The Banjul session is expected to deliver strategic decisions that will shape the future direction of maritime cooperation, governance and development across West and Central Africa.
