Dakar — The commitment to deepen collaboration in maritime transport and blue economy initiatives gained fresh momentum as Senegal and Guinea-Bissau convened high-level talks in the Senegalese capital. The dialogue unfolded during the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy, drawing ministers, port authorities, maritime experts, and development partners from across West Africa.
The delegation from Guinea-Bissau, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, the country’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, underscored the strategic importance of regional cooperation. The visit followed an official invitation extended by the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa, reinforcing ties between the two nations.
In his opening address, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal welcomed Guinea-Bissau as a ‘brotherly nation’ and emphasized the pivotal role of maritime cooperation in unlocking sustainable growth through the blue economy. He highlighted how shared challenges—from port infrastructure gaps to maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea—demand unified regional responses.
For Guinea-Bissau, participation in the forum aligns with a broader national agenda to modernize port facilities, enhance maritime safety, and expand regional partnerships. Over two days of intensive sessions, delegates explored key priorities: upgrading coastal shipping services, expanding port infrastructure, advancing shipbuilding industries, and accelerating the green transition in maritime transport. Digital transformation, workforce training, scientific research, and innovative financing models—including public-private partnerships—were also central to the discussions.
Beyond policy debates, the event featured an international exhibition and business networking sessions. These platforms enabled public and private stakeholders to forge new alliances and investment opportunities in maritime logistics and related sectors.
The Guinean-Bissau delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the country’s Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of the Ports Administration of Guinea-Bissau. Their presence reflected the nation’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and operational efficiency in the maritime domain.
Hosted by the Senegalese government, the forum is embedded within the Senegal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025–2029. These frameworks aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa while fostering deeper regional integration centered on the blue economy.
