Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu, has emphasized the need for stronger public and private sector collaboration to fully harness the benefits of inland waterways in Africa.
Speaking at the Africa Transport Forum organized by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Adalikwu described inland waterways as critical natural endowments that contribute to the economic, environmental, social, and general wellbeing of coastal communities.
“Inland waterways have the potential to facilitate trade, travel, tourism, research, and cultural exchange among coastal areas, thereby promoting economic growth and social wellbeing,” Adalikwu said.
He urged African governments to invest in promoting security and dredging channels for easy navigation, creating an enabling environment for legitimate economic activities like fishing, tourism, and underwater mining.
Adalikwu commended the AfDB for its interest in supporting a vibrant blue economy, aligning with the Africa Union Agenda 2063.
However, he noted that African leaders’ financial capabilities are limited, necessitating private investors and multilateral organizations’ involvement.
“The removal of wrecks from waterways is also crucial to prevent marine accidents and conserve the marine ecosystem,” Adalikwu added.
MOWCA recently held a workshop from July 15 to July 18, 2024, which drew participants from nine countries and had resource persons from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
Adalikwu reiterated MOWCA’s commitment to working with the AfDB and other organizations to promote viable commercial activities at all spheres of the marine space.
The Africa Transport Forum aimed to discuss the state of inland waterways transport in Africa, exploring potential opportunities and challenges.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the continent to share knowledge and expertise.
As Africa continues to develop its inland waterways, the importance of public-private partnerships and sustainable management practices cannot be overstated.
By working together, African governments, private investors, and multilateral organizations can unlock the full potential of inland waterways, driving economic growth and social wellbeing for coastal communities.
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