Equatorial Guinea Pledges Stronger Ties with MOWCA to Boost Blue Economy
Oru Leonard
The Government of Equatorial Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in advancing a sustainable blue economy across the African continent.
This assurance was given by the country’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Postal Services, Mr. Evito Oma, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, in Malabo.
Mr. Oma reiterated Equatorial Guinea’s dedication to MOWCA’s objectives and programmes, commending Dr. Adalikwu for what he described as his visionary leadership of the organisation.
He expressed the government’s readiness to deepen technical cooperation between MOWCA and his ministry to further enhance national and regional maritime development.
The minister also highlighted the importance of maritime trade facilitation within West and Central Africa, noting that Equatorial Guinea would continue to collaborate with MOWCA to promote maritime safety, security, and sustainable maritime transport across the sub-region.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Adalikwu described Equatorial Guinea as a strategic maritime nation with the natural endowments to play a leading role in Africa’s maritime space. He praised the country’s strong performance in the oil and gas sector as well as its commercial shipping activities through key ports, despite what he described as manageable security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to the MOWCA Secretary-General, Equatorial Guinea remains a major offshore hydrocarbon producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its active participation in maritime trade making a significant contribution to the growth and development of Africa’s blue economy. He also commended the country for its increasing engagement in MOWCA’s programmes and decision-making processes.
While briefing the minister on MOWCA’s ongoing activities and future initiatives, Dr. Adalikwu noted that Equatorial Guinea stands to benefit from maritime human capital development programmes supported by international partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the governments of Singapore and Malaysia.
He further disclosed that the country is well positioned to be among the first beneficiaries of the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank, which is expected to support vessel financing as well as the expansion, upgrade, and development of maritime infrastructure.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a strong commitment to strengthening cooperation in pursuit of shared maritime and blue economy goals.
(Transport Day)
