MOWCA at 50: Adalikwu secures fresh mandate, targets continental maritime expansion

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

At a milestone 50th anniversary gathering of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), member states unanimously renewed the mandate of Secretary-General Paul Adalikwu for another four years, signaling confidence in his reform-driven leadership and endorsing an ambitious push toward continental maritime expansion.

The decision, taken at the organisation’s 19th General Assembly in Banjul, positions Adalikwu to accelerate plans to transform MOWCA into a continent-wide African Maritime Organisation, deepen regional security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, and drive a blue economy agenda aimed at boosting trade competitiveness, sustainable shipping and long-term maritime investment across Africa.

Transport ministers and delegates endorsed his leadership following what they described as transformative reforms that have strengthened regional maritime security, integration and capacity development across West and Central Africa.

Chairman of MOWCA and Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Ebrima Sillah, said the renewed mandate was “well deserved,” noting that Adalikwu has raised the region’s profile in the global maritime ecosystem through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.

Ghana’s Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described him as a results-driven leader whose tenure has boosted member states’ participation in regional maritime initiatives and strengthened focus on trade competitiveness.

Speaking after his re-election, Adalikwu pledged to deepen inclusivity across coastal and land-linked countries, promote cost-effective and environmentally sustainable shipping, and accelerate Africa’s blue economy as a pathway to diversification and growth.

He also reaffirmed plans to push for the transformation of MOWCA into a continent-wide African Maritime Organisation to strengthen Africa’s collective voice in global maritime affairs.

During his first term, the organisation strengthened regional security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea, expanded real-time information sharing and supported anti-piracy frameworks, contributing to a sharp drop in attacks, according to the International Maritime Bureau.

On capacity development, MOWCA secured a $1.3 million training partnership with Indonesia for seafarers and deepened collaboration with the International Maritime Organization, while advancing plans for a Regional Maritime Development Bank to finance shipping and port infrastructure.

The General Assembly, which coincided with MOWCA’s 50th anniversary, also elected Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang as Chair of the MOWCA Group of Experts for 2026–2028.

With a renewed mandate, Adalikwu faces expectations to consolidate security gains, unlock maritime investment and drive regional cooperation as Africa seeks to maximise the economic potential of its vast coastline.