Senegal and Guinea-bissau boost maritime transport ties for blue economy growth

The port city of Dakar played host to a landmark gathering as Senegal and Guinea-Bissau solidified their commitment to advancing maritime transport and the blue economy across West Africa. High-level discussions unfolded during the International Forum on Sustainable Development of Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy, setting the stage for stronger regional integration and shared economic prosperity.

A high-profile delegation from Guinea-Bissau, led by Florentino Mendes Pereira, the country’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, joined political leaders, maritime authorities, and development partners to tackle key challenges in maritime governance, port logistics, and regional cohesion. The forum, held in mid-July, served as a pivotal platform for aligning national strategies with broader continental ambitions for sustainable ocean-based growth.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s President, opened the event with a strong endorsement of Guinea-Bissau’s involvement, describing the neighboring nation as a ‘sister country’. He emphasized that closer collaboration in maritime transport is essential to overcoming sectoral hurdles and unlocking the full potential of the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development across the region.

For Guinea-Bissau, this participation marks a strategic move toward modernizing its maritime infrastructure, enhancing safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and deepening regional alliances to fuel economic progress. Over two days of intensive deliberations, delegates explored critical priorities such as upgrading cabotage services, expanding port capacities, strengthening the shipbuilding industry, and accelerating the green transition in maritime transport. Digital transformation, workforce training, scientific research, and innovative financing—particularly through public-private partnerships—were also central to the agenda.

Beyond formal discussions, the forum featured an international exhibition and business networking sessions, offering public and private stakeholders a chance to forge new alliances and explore investment opportunities in maritime logistics and related industries. The Guinea-Bissau delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of the Port Administration of Guinea-Bissau, both of whom played key roles in advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Hosted by the Senegalese government, the event aligns with the Vision Sénégal 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 stronger regional cooperation around the blue economy. The forum underscored the shared vision of transforming West Africa’s maritime landscape into a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable development.