Re-elected unanimously during the 19th General Assembly in Banjul, Dr. Paul Adalikwu will lead the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for another four-year term. His renewed mandate comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime sector Africa, as the region advances reforms in maritime security, regional integration, and the competitiveness of maritime transport Africa.
Unanimous Re-Election in Service of Africa’s Maritime Sector
On February 19, 2026, ministers from MOWCA’s 25 member states unanimously renewed their confidence in Dr. Paul Adalikwu. The decision recognizes the institutional reforms implemented since 2022 to reposition the organization as a central pillar of maritime governance in West and Central Africa.
MOWCA Chairman and Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, praised a leadership that has strengthened the role of coastal and land-linked countries within the global maritime ecosystem.
Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, highlighted the strategic importance of maritime transport Africa in driving economic transformation, particularly through increased local value addition to exports such as cocoa.
Maritime Security and African Shipping Performance: Tangible Progress
Strengthening the Yaoundé Architecture and Combating Piracy
During his first mandate, Dr. Adalikwu reinforced the implementation of the Yaoundé Architecture, the cornerstone of regional maritime security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. Key actions included:
- Enhanced implementation of the ISPS Code
- Acquisition of naval assets
- Real-time information sharing through CINFOCOM
- Community-based maritime intelligence initiatives
These efforts have contributed to a significant decline in piracy incidents, improving the performance of African shipping along one of the continent’s most strategic maritime routes.
MOWCA also supported the adoption of stronger legal frameworks, including Nigeria’s SPOMO Act, and encouraged the prosecution of maritime crimes in countries such as Nigeria and Togo.
Regional Integration and Modernization of African Port Infrastructure
Towards a Regional Maritime Development Bank
A flagship initiative of Dr. Adalikwu’s leadership is the revival of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), designed to… To read more click on the following link : https://maritimafrica.com/en/maritime-organisation-of-west-and-central-africa-dr-paul-adalikwu-re-elected-for-a-second-term-accelerates-africas-blue-economy-agenda/
