The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has been urged to accelerate the operationalisation of the Praia-Dakar maritime link and other regional sea routes.

This call originated from a workshop in Dakar, which focused on evaluating and validating financial strategies for the ambitious project.

Participants at the high-level meeting emphasised the need for the ECOWAS commission to promptly establish the necessary operational, infrastructural, and technical foundations to create a conducive environment for the launch and long-term viability of maritime services connecting Praia, Dakar, and other West African ports.

A key resolution also implores the commission to ensure the timely completion of the Praia-Dakar maritime link study, with a strict follow-up on consultants to implement resolutions emanating from the workshop.

Further strengthening regional maritime cohesion, the commission is now tasked with initiating discussions and processes for the creation of a unified regional register for ships flying the West African flag.

This register is envisioned to feature harmonised operational guidelines and procedures, thereby facilitating seamless navigation and commerce for maritime operators across the sub-region.

To ensure broad-based participation and leverage local expertise, another significant resolution directs the commission to implement an appropriate procurement mechanism that prioritises regional investors and citizens in the provision of maritime services.

In a bid to streamline governance and management of the Praia-Dakar link, delegates pressed ECOWAS to develop comprehensive management procedures, taking into account the proposed Corridor Management Authority enshrined in the project’s foundational Treaty.

Concurrently, member states Liberia and Guinea-Bissau received a specific plea to expedite the ratification of the Corridor Treaty, which forms the bedrock for the establishment, funding, and operation of these vital maritime services.

Beyond immediate project implementation, member states of the regional body are now expected to lend their full support to the formation of a working group comprising maritime experts. Active collaboration with the ECOWAS commission is anticipated to ensure the group’s effective functioning.

Additionally, these nations are encouraged to provide examples of existing maritime transport services within the region, offering invaluable insights to consultants as they finalise their comprehensive report.