Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), has emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to fully harness the benefits of Africa’s inland waterways. Speaking at the Africa Transport Forum organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Adalikwu described inland waterways as vital natural assets that contribute significantly to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of coastal communities.
During his preliminary remarks at the forum themed “The State of Inland Waterways Transport in Africa: Potential, Opportunities & Challenges,” Adalikwu urged African governments to prioritize investment in the security and dredging of water channels. He highlighted that such measures would facilitate smoother navigation, creating a conducive environment for legitimate trade, travel, tourism, research, and cultural exchanges among coastal regions.
Adalikwu praised AfDB’s dedication to supporting the continent’s blue economy, noting that its efforts align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The agenda seeks to establish a culture of human rights, democracy, gender equality, and peace across Africa, along with prosperity and security for all citizens. The MOWCA SG called for closer collaboration between state and non-state actors to suppress crime in Africa’s maritime zones, enabling lawful economic activities such as fishing, tourism, and underwater mining to flourish.
While commending some African leaders for their interest in developing the blue economy, Adalikwu acknowledged that limited financial resources hinder the realization of their goals. He stressed the need for the inclusion of private investors and multilateral organizations to bring in expertise and funding to manage waterways more efficiently. He also cited the African Union’s Integrated High-Speed Train Network program, aimed at connecting African capitals and commercial hubs, as a project that requires intermodal support from a sustainable water transport system to lower transport costs and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Reaffirming MOWCA’s commitment to promoting commercial activities within marine spaces, Adalikwu recalled a workshop held by MOWCA from July 15 to 18, 2024, with participants from nine countries and experts from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). He also called for the removal of wrecks from waterways, which pose significant risks for marine accidents. He suggested that these wrecks could be recycled for economic benefits while preserving the marine ecosystem.
Adalikwu’s remarks underscored the critical role that public-private partnerships play in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s inland waterways, ensuring economic growth and environmental sustainability for coastal communities.
