A Golden Jubilee Milestone: The Gambia Takes the Lead in West and Central African Maritime Governance
BANJUL – The 19th General Assembly and 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) came to a close on Friday, 20th February, 2026, in a high-profile ceremony presided over by the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Muhammed B.S. Jallow. The event marked the formal transition of leadership with The Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Hon. Ebrima Sillah assuming the Chairman ofMOWCA for the next two years. The Vice President’s presence underscored the Gambia government’s highest level of support for Minister Sillah’s two-year mandate to transform the "Blue Economy" across the sub-continent.
The closing ceremony and golden jubilee celebration brought together cabinet ministers and experts in the maritime industry from 21 member countries across West and Central Africa.
During his keynote address, Vice President Jallow emphasized that Minister Sillah’s chairmanship comes at a critical juncture for African trade.
"The Government of The Gambia views this Chairmanship not just as a title, but as a regional responsibility," the Vice President stated. "Under Minister Sillah’s guidance, and with the full backing of the Presidency, we aim to turn our waters into a corridor of prosperity, safety, and innovation."
Accepting the gavel from the outgoing Chairperson, Minister Sillah outlined his roadmap for the biennium. Supported by the 20-nation delegation, his leadership will be defined by three "Anchor Projects":
- The Regional Maritime Development Bank: Finalizing the capital structure to provide low-interest financing for port infrastructure across the member states.
- Integrated Security: Expanding the "Yaoundé Architecture" to ensure safer shipping lanes and combat piracy from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea.
- Digitalization & Green Shipping: Leading the transition toward automated, eco-friendly port operations to stay competitive in the global market.
The 19th Ordinary Session also confirmed a strong Gambian technical presence to support the new Chairmanship.
The Director General of Gambia Maritime Administaration, Counsel Olimatou Danso - Malang, was also appointed as the Chairperson of the Experts Committee, while Dr. Paul Adalikwu was re-elected for another four year mandate.
Communication Unit, Gambia Maritime Administration
