MOWCA sets 2026 deadline for implementation of regional maritime funding

The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) is set to fully implement the uniform application of the Regional Maritime Fund (RMF) policy in 25 African countries by January.

This followed a mandate issued by member states and experts at a three-day workshop held in the Republic of Congo, tasking the Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr Paul Adalikwu, to lead a year-long sensitisation campaign across the 25 countries throughout 2025 to ensure uniform application and successful adoption of the funding mechanism.

The mechanism, operating on a self-financing model, imposes a $3 per metric tonne levy on cargo carried by shipowners within the West and Central African subregion, while the revenue allocation is structured to provide 80 per cent to the country of transaction and 20 per cent to MOWCA.

Speaking on the initiative, Adalikwu underscored the significance of sustainable maritime funding in developing a robust blue economy.

He likened the current state of underfunding to owning a perfect automobile without fuel, emphasising that it hampers progress in harnessing the sector’s potential.

“The maritime industry is the driving force of global commerce and should not be given a backstage position during national budgeting by countries endowed as coastal states,” Adalikwu stated.

The Secretary-General outlined the expected gains from the RMF to include improvement in maritime infrastructure and development of expertise through training and retraining of maritime professionals.

Others are the sustainable utilisation of marine resources for environmentally friendly economic activities as well as the promotion of a blue economy across member states in line with international best practices.

Acknowledging the gaps created by years of non-implementation, Adalikwu expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges with the cooperation of member states.

He lauded countries already contributing to MOWCA’s financial stability and urged others to follow suit.

Adalikwu also encouraged African nations to prioritise multimodal transportation to enhance connectivity and the movement of goods and services, leveraging their marine and dry port capabilities.

He highlighted the importance of capacity building, technological acquisition and knowledge transfer to younger generations, suggesting the creation of a regional cabotage regime to prioritise MOWCA citizens in maritime opportunities over foreign entities.

Adalikwu stated that MOWCA is ready to provide technical collaboration and facilitate access to regional experts for knowledge sharing and training, emphasising the critical role of collective action in achieving a thriving blue economy.

He, however, noted that with the sensitisation campaign scheduled for 2025, MOWCA’s initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential of the maritime sector, fostering economic growth and sustainability across West and Central Africa.