BACE, MOWCA Sign Agreement To Reposition African Maritime Economy

Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition (BACE) has signed a landmark five-year strategic partnership with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), in recognition of the critical role of the maritime sector in unlocking Africa’s vast blue economy potential.

The partnership agreement was signed in Abidjan by Mudzithe Phiri, Event Director of Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition, and Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of MOWCA, a powerhouse leader who has transformed the organization since taking office in 2021.

Unlocking Africa’s Maritime Gateway Africa’s strategic positioning as a bridge to global markets through its extensive coastline presents unprecedented opportunities for trade, enterprise, and entrepreneurship.

The partnership recognizes that responsible development of the continent’s blue economy is crucial to maximizing benefits from Africa’s vast coastal resources while ensuring environmental sustainability.

“Our oceans connect us to each other first, unlocking the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) opportunity, and they also connect us to the rest of the world, with strategic access to global markets..

“This positions us perfectly as we lean towards becoming producers and refining our vast raw materials, creating products that we can trade amongst ourselves and to the rest of the world. Our oceans open that opportunity.

“This collaboration also demonstrates the power of African unity. Its companies from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and now Ivory Coast, with more in the pipeline, working together to drive meaningful change through media, networking and strategic partnerships,”
said Phiri.

The partnership places special emphasis on creating opportunities for Africa’s young population, recognizing that the continent’s demographic advantage requires targeted job creation in emerging sectors.

The blue economy, encompassing maritime trade, coastal tourism, and marine resources, offers significant employment potential for young Africans.

“Africa is a young market, and the jobs our youth need are in the blue economy,” noted Phiri. “From maritime logistics to coastal tourism – where our best recreational moments happen, on the beach; we’re creating pathways for young entrepreneurs to build sustainable careers in these growing sectors.”

Dr. Paul Adalikwu brings over 30 years of maritime expertise to the partnership, making him the first Nigerian to lead MOWCA in its 50-year history. Since his election in 2021,

Dr. Adalikwu has spearheaded transformative initiatives including:

Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) – Leading the establishment of Africa’s first dedicated maritime financing institution, Strategic Partnerships – Securing collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for dry dock development across West and Central Africa and Maritime Security Excellence – Implementing the Deep Blue Project and Nigeria’s antipiracy legislation during his previous role .

“We at MOWCA are thrilled for this opportunity to partner with such a formidable entity to draw attention and publicize the enormous potential of the Blue Economy in Africa” said Dr. Adalikwu.

According he partnership has received backing from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has officially endorsed the Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition.

He said a press conference will be held in the coming weeks to outline additional government support initiatives.

Building Africa’s Blue Economy Future The five-year partnership, he said will focus on: Positioning the maritime sector as a catalyst for continental and international trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Strengthening security through regional collaboration and private, public partnerships, Creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Africans in maritime and coastal tourism sectors and Promoting responsible ocean resource development that balances economic growth with environmental protection, among others