New West African shipping line will integrate Cape Verde
ECOWAS engages maritime stakeholders
CAPE VERDE: Plans to establish a new shipping line by the end of 2026 were discussed at a meeting in Praia attended by a diverse group of maritime stakeholders.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has engaged stakeholders to assess the financial, economic, and implementation options of the Praia-Dakar maritime transport project and a technical visit to the Port of Praia aimed to provide insights into the infrastructure and logistical facilities, safety and security mechanisms required for the shipping services.
The objective is to establish the shipping line to further integrate Cabo Verde into the market of the other ECOWAS Member States. Deliberations at the meeting focused on the validation of recommended financial strategies, economic benefits, and logistical execution.
This consultation is a key milestone towards the completion of the technical studies for the project which is aimed at advancing the larger Praia-Dakar-Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Transport Project, which strives to improve regional connectivity and promote economic integration within West Africa.
The engagement meeting, which took place in Praia, brought together experts and stakeholders who considered alternatives for the establishment of maritime services, either as a Container liner or a RoPax (Passenger and some Goods). The experts recommended a third alternative which will combine container and Ropax services considering the high level objective of enhancing the free movement of persons and boosting intraregional trade.
“The Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor is one of the largest integration and infrastructure projects in our region. Its execution will offer citizens of Cabo Verde a significant opportunity to access the 400 million plus market of ECOWAS. This he said, will promote true integration among member states in all aspects. Effective transportation and communication systems are essential to face the challenges of economic globalization, ensuring reliability, quality, integrity, and security,” said Eduardo Lima, Chairman of ENAPOR’s the Board of Directors who spoke at the opening of the meeting.
ECOWAS’ acting Director Transport, Chris Appiah, highlighted the importance of the project, stating that the Praia-Dakar shipping line will serve a crucial link on the community transportation network presenting a cheaper means of moving trade which is key to economic growth and connectivity. Through improving transportation connections between key locations, we are laying the groundwork for increased mobility, tourism, and trade across West Africa.
PHOTO SOURCE: ECOWAS Website
2405