His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia on Friday, 20 February joined regional leaders and key stakeholders to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), marking five decades of cooperation, resilience, and shared maritime advancement. The landmark celebration was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
Established on 5 May 1975 under the historic Charter of Abidjan, MOWCA has evolved into a cornerstone of maritime and transit transport in the region—strengthening maritime safety, deepening regional integration, safeguarding the marine environment, and promoting collective prosperity across West and Central Africa. As The Gambia assumes the Chairmanship of the organization for the first time, the golden jubilee stands as both a celebration of past achievements and a call for renewed, collective action.
Looking to the future, the Vice President emphasized the maritime sector as a critical driver of economic transformation, noting that over 80 percent of global trade is conducted by sea. In this context, the ocean is not a boundary but a gateway to growth, innovation, and opportunity. This vision aligns with The Gambia’s Renewed Framework for National Development (RF-NDP), which prioritizes economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, regional trade expansion, security, and climate resilience—anchored in a sustainable blue economy.
The Government of The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to modern maritime development through expanded port infrastructure, including the modernization of the Port of Banjul and the construction of a new deep-sea port at Sanyang. These efforts are complemented by digitalized operations, strengthened regulatory frameworks, improved ferry services, and decisive action against illegal fishing, in full alignment with international standards.
In his remarks, Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, noted that The Gambia’s two-year Chairmanship will prioritize digitalization, environmental protection, port efficiency, and sustainable financing—critical pillars for global maritime competitiveness—while expressing profound appreciation for the guidance and support of Heads of State and member countries.
As MOWCA marks 50 years of service and vision, member states reaffirm their commitment to stronger maritime governance, deeper regional integration, modern infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.
The future of West and Central Africa is blue—blue with opportunity, promise, and shared prosperity.
Source : Office of the Vice President – The Gambia
