Dakar — Top officials from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau have pledged to deepen their maritime collaboration as part of a broader push to strengthen West Africa’s blue economy. The announcement came during a high-level forum in Dakar focused on sustainable shipping, port logistics, and regional integration in maritime trade.
The two-day event brought together government leaders, maritime authorities, industry experts, and development partners to address key challenges in maritime governance, port efficiency, and regional connectivity. At the forefront of discussions were strategies to modernize coastal shipping, expand port infrastructure, and accelerate the green transition of maritime transport across the Gulf of Guinea.
Florentino Mendes Pereira, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, led a senior delegation to the forum. Speaking on the importance of regional cooperation, he highlighted Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to upgrading its maritime and port facilities, enhancing maritime security, and fostering stronger economic ties with neighboring countries. The delegation also included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Guinea-Bissau Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director General of the Ports Authority of Guinea-Bissau.
In his opening address, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal warmly welcomed Guinea-Bissau as a vital partner in West Africa’s maritime development. He emphasized the need for collective action to unlock the region’s blue economy potential, describing Guinea-Bissau as a “fraternal nation” and underscoring the shared responsibility to build resilient, sustainable shipping corridors.
Over the course of the forum, participants explored several critical areas for collaboration, including:
- Expanding and modernizing coastal shipping networks to improve regional trade flows
- Investing in new port infrastructure to increase cargo handling capacity and reduce bottlenecks
- Promoting sustainable shipping practices and reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport
- Strengthening vocational training and academic research to develop a skilled maritime workforce
- Leveraging public-private partnerships to fund critical infrastructure and technology upgrades
- Accelerating digital transformation across port operations and logistics networks
A dedicated business exhibition and networking sessions provided a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to forge new partnerships and explore investment opportunities in maritime transport and logistics. The event also served as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, reinforcing the role of both nations in shaping a more integrated West African maritime sector.
This forum aligns with Senegal’s long-term development vision, including the Senegal 2050 strategy and the National Development Strategy 2025–2029. Both initiatives aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa, while fostering regional solidarity and sustainable growth in the blue economy.
