Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa: The Gambia Takes the Helm of the Experts Committee (2026–2028)
A new chapter in regional maritime governance has begun as Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang, Director General of the Gambia Maritime Administration, officially assumed the Chairpersonship of the Experts Committee of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for the 2026–2028 term.
The handover ceremony took place on 16 February 2026 at the prestigious Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, immediately following the opening of the 19th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly and the commemoration of MOWCA’s 50th Anniversary — a landmark celebration highlighting five decades of regional maritime cooperation.
A Strategic Mandate for 2026–2028
As Chair of the Experts Committee, The Gambia will collaborate closely with the MOWCA Secretariat to advance critical regional priorities aimed at strengthening maritime integration and economic resilience across West and Central Africa.
Among the flagship initiatives on the agenda are:
- The establishment of a Regional Maritime Bank, designed to provide sustainable financing mechanisms for maritime infrastructure, port development, shipping, and blue economy projects.
- The transformation of MOWCA into an African Maritime Organisation, a bold institutional reform intended to elevate the body’s mandate, operational capacity, and continental influence.
These priorities align with broader ambitions to enhance maritime security, promote trade facilitation, foster investment, and accelerate the development of Africa’s blue economy.
The Gambia’s Rising Maritime Leadership
Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang’s appointment signals The Gambia’s growing prominence in regional maritime governance. Under her leadership at the Gambia Maritime Administration, the country has demonstrated a consistent commitment to regulatory modernization, maritime safety, and international cooperation.
Assuming the Chairpersonship at such a symbolic moment — during MOWCA’s Golden Jubilee — further underscores The Gambia’s strategic engagement in shaping the future of maritime collaboration in the region.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The Experts Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping technical recommendations, harmonizing maritime policies, and supporting member states in implementing regional strategies. With The Gambia at the helm, expectations are high for strengthened coordination, innovative financing solutions, and accelerated institutional reform.
As West and Central Africa continue to position the maritime sector as a cornerstone of economic transformation, this leadership transition marks not just a ceremonial milestone, but a strategic opportunity to redefine regional maritime governance for the next generation.
For Maritimafrica, this development represents a clear signal: The Gambia is not only participating in regional maritime dialogue — it is helping to lead it.
