Get Guardian on Google• Safer waterways key to AfCFTA, regional trade, says MOWCA
West and Central Africa has recorded about 8,000 deaths from marine accidents over the past decade, with Nigeria, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the worst-affected countries, according to the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA).
The Secretary General of MOWCA, Dr Paul Adalikwu, identified common contributory factors for such marine accidents to include overloading, poorly maintained vessels, weak regulation and enforcement, inadequate safety equipment, insufficient crew training, night travel with no illumination, and operations in adverse weather.
He disclosed this to global stakeholders at Interferry’s 50th-anniversary annual conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event, hosted by Chao Phraya Express Boat under the theme: “Stronger Than Ever… Together,” underscored the organisation’s drive to deepen international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships in the ferry sector.
Adalikwu reaffirmed the organisation’s strong commitment to safer and more sustainable ferry and inland waterways transport across the region.
He highlighted MOWCA’s determination to advance maritime connectivity, regional integration, and safety standards throughout its 25 member states.
Adalikwu stated that safer ferry services are essential not only for protecting lives but also for unlocking the blue economy, supporting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and improving connectivity for both coastal and landlocked member states.
Adalikwu lauded Interferry’s growth since it was originally founded in 1976 in the United States as the International Marine Transit Association and has now evolved into the leading global trade association for the ferry industry with about 300 member companies and more than 2,200 individuals across more than 40 countries.
He said for five decades, Interferry has built a reputation for advocacy at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), safety initiatives and support for practical pathways to decarbonisation.
The MOWCA SG used the occasion to celebrate Interferry’s milestone while emphasising the organisation’s unwavering focus on reducing the heavy human toll of ferry accidents in West and Central Africa.
He said Interferry has since launched an 18-month Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme in Lagos with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), aimed at training around 50 captains, engineers, and managers through digital learning, virtual mentoring by international experts, and practical sessions.
Adalikwu said that through these initiatives and its ongoing engagement with the IMO, the African Union, and development partners, MOWCA continues to promote the application of Safety of Life at Sea principles adapted to inland and coastal waters, fleet modernisation, adoption of technologies such as AIS and weather systems, and a culture of safety-first operations.
He stated further that MOWCA’s safety agenda has gained momentum through a series of coordinated actions.
He recalled that in mid-2024, the organisation partnered with the IMO and the International Maritime Rescue Federation to convene a regional workshop in Libreville, Gabon.
Adalikwu said the meeting produced the Libreville Action Plan, which prioritises stronger regulatory frameworks, crew and technical training, vessel seaworthiness, safe boarding and cargo handling, improved navigation aids, traffic monitoring, and robust search-and-rescue systems.
