The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) engaged Member States and a diverse group of maritime sector stakeholders to assess the financial, economic, and implementation options of the Praia-Dakar maritime transport project. This consultation is a key milestone towards the completion of the technical studies for the project, which aims to advance the larger Praia-Dakar-Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Transport Project. The initiative strives to improve regional connectivity and promote economic integration within West Africa.
The engagement meeting, held in Praia, brought together experts and stakeholders who considered alternatives for establishing maritime services, either as a container liner or a RoPax (Passenger and some Goods). The experts recommended a third alternative that combines container and RoPax services, considering the high-level objective of enhancing the free movement of persons and boosting intraregional trade.
The meeting featured an opening address from Mr. Eduardo Lima, Chairman of ENAPOR’s Board of Directors. ENAPOR is the National Company for Port Administration of Cabo Verde. Mr. Lima stated, “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.” He added that this would 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.”
ECOWAS’ acting Director Transport, Mr. Chris Appiah, highlighted the importance of the project by stating that the Praia-Dakar shipping line will serve as a crucial link on the community transportation network. He emphasized that it presents a cheaper means of moving trade which is key to economic growth and connectivity. "Through improving transportation connections between key locations," he said, "we are laying the groundwork for increased mobility, tourism, and trade across West Africa."
A technical field visit to the Port of Praia provided valuable insights into infrastructure and logistical facilities as well as safety and security mechanisms required for shipping services. Discussions centered around validating recommended financial strategies, economic benefits, and logistical execution. The objective is to establish a shipping line that further integrates Cabo Verde into other ECOWAS Member States' markets. The shipping line is expected to commence by late 2026.
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