Dakar — The Sénégal and Guinée-Bissau have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in maritime transport and blue economy development during the International Forum on Sustainable Maritime Transport and Logistics in the Blue Economy, held in Dakar.

The high-level delegation from Guinée-Bissau, led by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy Florentino Mendes Pereira, joined policymakers, maritime authorities, industry experts and development partners to address critical issues such as maritime governance, port logistics and regional integration.

Sénégal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opened the event and praised Guinée-Bissau’s participation as a “fraternal nation,” emphasizing how stronger cooperation is essential to overcoming maritime challenges and unlocking sustainable economic growth through the blue economy.

For the Guinée-Bissau delegation, this forum represents a key step in modernizing port and maritime infrastructure, enhancing maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea, and strengthening regional partnerships to drive economic progress.

The two-day discussions covered multiple priority areas, including upgrading cabotage services, expanding port infrastructure, boosting the shipbuilding industry, promoting eco-friendly maritime transport, and accelerating digital transformation in the sector. Additional focus was placed on human resource development, scientific research, innovation, and financing—particularly through public-private partnerships.

Alongside the main sessions, an international exhibition and business networking events provided public and private stakeholders with opportunities to forge new alliances and explore investment potential in maritime and logistics sectors.

The Guinée-Bissau delegation included Gualdino Afonso Té, President of the Maritime and Port Institute of Guinée-Bissau, and Félix Nandungue, Director General of the Ports Administration of Guinée-Bissau.

Hosted by the Senegalese government, the forum aligns with the Sénégal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, both of which aim to position Sénégal as a leading maritime and logistics hub in West Africa while fostering stronger regional cooperation in the blue economy.