The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is organizing a significant workshop in Praia, Cabo Verde, from August 6-9, 2024, focusing on the establishment of a short-sea shipping line from Praia to Dakar and the rest of West Africa. The workshop aims to validate draft reports on financial and socio-economic analysis as well as an appropriate management model for the Praia-Dakar maritime transport services. This initiative seeks to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration across West Africa.
Once operational, the shipping link from Praia to Dakar is expected to serve as a crucial connection on the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan-Lagos Corridor. This corridor currently handles over 80% of trade and economic exchanges in the region and has significant potential to boost economic development within the ECOWAS Region.
Experts in maritime transport and corridor development from member states are expected to attend this engagement, along with Development Partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), financier of the studies, Afrexim Bank, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, UEMOA Bank for Development, and private sector investors. Participants will ensure that recommendations in the reports are financially viable, feasible, and aligned with regional strategic goals. The Praia-Dakar-Abidjan Transport Corridor Project aims to improve transportation infrastructure across West Africa for better connectivity between member states. This improvement is anticipated to boost trade, economic growth, and regional integration.
The workshop will feature presentations and comprehensive discussions on project designs, investment options, management models, and operational recommendations. Interactive sessions will allow stakeholders to provide input and feedback ensuring that final outputs could be used to mobilize necessary investment financing for establishing and operating the shipping services. Future steps including timelines and key deliverables for project implementation will also be outlined.
Expected outcomes include finalizing Phase 2 Draft Report which sets the stage for tendering of the shipping link along with financial structuring and implementation strategies. Quotes from ECOWAS representatives highlight stakeholder engagement's importance in driving economic growth through this project.
The Praia-Dakar-Abidjan Corridor Transport Project represents a major initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. Workshop outcomes will play a vital role in providing an economical physical connection boosting economic exchanges such as trade and tourism between Cabo Verde and other parts of the ECOWAS Region.
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