Maritimafrica Mag #008
Discover the 8th issue of our magazine, Maritimafrica Mag, in which we had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary General of the MOWCA, who granted us an exclusive interview. He shared with us his ambition: to strengthen member states’ confidence in their common organization’s ability to energize the maritime economy.
In this issue, our main Focus delves into an innovative theme: when the blue economy meets diplomacy. It is time for African Ministries of Foreign Affairs to fully embrace maritime issues — not just as matters of navigation, but as powerful levers of influence, economic sovereignty, and geopolitical strength. Defending our maritime interests also means negotiating, anticipating, asserting.
We are also pleased to announce our next major event: the Maritimafrica Week Togo 2025 Forum, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12, 2025, in Lomé, Togo, under the theme “A Bright Blue Future in Africa.” We also revisit the Algiers Maritime Forum, which reminded us of the urgent need to unite security, compliance, and expertise to build a sustainable maritime industry.
In the Opinion and Tribune sections, we raise the critical questions: Why do West and Central African ports continue to lose crucial revenue? How can Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) change the game? How can we ensure effective coordination among Gulf of Guinea coastal states in the fight against maritime crime? What if the Gulf of Guinea became a testing ground for a new African model of shared maritime sovereignty?
But at the heart of all these challenges is the human element. This issue pays tribute to those who have left their mark on the maritime renewal of the continent. In particular, we honor the memory of Rear Admiral Mohamed Lamine Fadika, a symbolic figure in African maritime governance, whose commitment and vision will continue to inspire future generations.
Maritimafrica Mag continues its mission: connecting ideas, informing decision-makers, and inspiring stakeholders. We believe in a strong, resilient, and innovative maritime Africa. And if tomorrow begins today, then this issue is, in its own way, a compass.
Happy reading to all.
