In a major development, the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has initiated a process to sensitize its member states on the uniform application of the Regional Maritime Fund (RMF) policy.
This move is aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the RMF from January 1, 2026.
The decision was made during a three-day workshop held in the Republic of Congo, where MOWCA member states and experts mandated the organization to commence the sensitization process.
Dr. Paul Adalikwu, MOWCA Secretary General, has been tasked with leading an awareness campaign across the 25 member countries throughout 2025.
The Regional Maritime Fund mechanism was approved by the MOWCA General Assembly in 1999, with the objective of enhancing maritime sector financing across member countries.
The fund is generated through a levy of $3 per metric tonne of cargo carried, with 80% of the collected funds allocated to the country of transaction and 20% to MOWCA.
According to Dr. Adalikwu, sustainable maritime funding is crucial for building a vibrant blue economy that supports national development.
He emphasized that not funding the maritime sector while expecting gains from it is unrealistic, likening it to having a perfect automobile without fueling it.
The MOWCA Secretary General acknowledged that the lack of funding in the maritime sector has caused setbacks in maritime development.
However, he expressed optimism that these challenges can be overcome with cooperation and support from member states.
The implementation of the Regional Maritime Fund is expected to yield several benefits, including improved maritime infrastructure, rapid development of maritime expertise, and the proper harnessing of marine endowments for sustainable economic activities.
Dr. Adalikwu commended member states that have been contributing to the financial sustenance of MOWCA and urged others to follow suit.
He also emphasized the need for African countries with marine endowments and dry ports capabilities to prioritize multimodal transportation for ease of connectivity and movement of goods and services.
The MOWCA Secretariat has expressed its willingness to support member states in the area of technical collaboration and easy access to experts within the region for transfer of knowledge and training.
As MOWCA moves forward with the implementation of the Regional Maritime Fund, it is clear that the organization is committed to promoting the development of the maritime sector in West and Central Africa.
With the support of its member states, MOWCA is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the maritime industry in the region.
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