Senegal Guinea-bissau expand maritime transport cooperation for blue economy growth

Dakar — High-level officials from Guinea-Bissau and Senegal have joined forces to advance maritime transport and blue economy initiatives in West Africa during the International Forum on Sustainable Maritime Development and Logistics in the Blue Economy, held in Dakar.

The Bissau-Guinean delegation, led by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy Florentino Mendes Pereira, engaged in strategic discussions with policymakers, maritime authorities, industry experts and development partners. The forum focused on maritime governance, port logistics and regional integration challenges, as confirmed by sources close to the event.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye opened the event, emphasizing the importance of strengthened cooperation with Guinea-Bissau—a nation he described as a ‘fraternal country.’ His remarks underscored the shared commitment to overcoming maritime sector challenges and leveraging the blue economy as a catalyst for sustainable growth across the region.

For Bissau-Guinean authorities, this engagement reflects a broader strategy to modernize port and maritime infrastructure, enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and deepen regional partnerships to drive economic development. Key priorities discussed included upgrading cabotage services, expanding port facilities, strengthening the shipbuilding industry and accelerating the sector’s digital transformation.

Environmental sustainability also took center stage, with participants exploring ways to reduce the maritime transport sector’s carbon footprint. Human capital development, scientific research and innovation were highlighted as essential components, alongside the need to mobilize funding through public-private partnerships.

Beyond formal sessions, an international exhibition and business networking events provided a platform for public and private stakeholders to forge new alliances and explore investment opportunities in maritime and logistics sectors.

The Bissau-Guinean delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinea-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director-General of Ports Administration in Guinea-Bissau—both key figures in the country’s maritime sector.

The forum was organized by the Senegalese government as part of its Vision Sénégal 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, which aim to position Senegal as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa while fostering stronger regional collaboration around the blue economy.