The five-year alliance positions the maritime sector as a key entryway to Africa’s blue economy, sector growth and youth employment.
by Blue Africa News
Recognizing the central role of the maritime sector in unlocking Africa’s blue economy, the Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition (BACE) has signed a landmark five-year strategic partnership with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
The partnership agreement was signed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast 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.
“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,” said Phiri.
“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,” she added.
Africa being a young market, Phiri noted, the “jobs our youth need are in the blue economy,” ranging 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.”
“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,” Dr. Adalikwu said of the Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition.
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, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives including regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), leading the establishment of Africa’s first dedicated maritime financing institution and strategic partnerships, securing collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) for dry dock development across West and Central Africa.
Additionally, he has also ensured maritime security excellence, implementing the deep blue project and Nigeria’s anti-piracy legislation during his previous role, besides coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and hosting the 2019 Global Maritime Security Conference.
The partnership is founded on unlocking Africa’s maritime gateway, driving youth employment and entrepreneurship, building Africa’s blue economy future and leadership excellence in maritime development.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of MOWCA and Mudzithe Phiri, event Director of Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition during signing of the partnership deal. Photo courtesy: Mudzithe Phiri
It is particularly focused on positioning the maritime sector as a catalyst for continental and international trade under AfCFTA, strengthening security through regional collaboration and private, public partnerships, creating sustainable employment opportunities for young Africans in maritime and coastal tourism sectors, promoting responsible ocean resource development that balances economic growth with environmental protection and facilitating investment in port infrastructure, shipping, and marine technology across West and Central Africa.
With the blue economy encompassing maritime trade, coastal tourism and marine resources offering significant employment potential for young Africans, 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.
It 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 Africa Conference & Exhibition partnership with MOWCA has received backing from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has officially endorsed the Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition, set for March 2026, at the Eko Hotel, in Lagos.
A press conference will be held in the coming weeks to outline additional government support initiatives.
Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition is the premier platform for unlocking Africa’s oceanic resource potential, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, investors, innovators and young entrepreneurs to drive sustainable blue economy development across the continent.
Established in 1975, the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa represents 25 member countries and serves as the leading voice for maritime development in the region.
Under Dr. Adalikwu’s leadership, MOWCA, is transforming into the African Maritime Organization (AMO) to represent the entire continent.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News