The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing maritime coordination across its 25 member states, following a significant partnership with the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Abidjan on Friday, January 17, 2025, MOWCA Secretary General, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, emphasized the body’s capacity to lead hydrographic advancements in the region.
Dr. Adalikwu highlighted the importance of establishing a Centre of Excellence for Hydrographic Training on a regional scale. He assured the IHO delegation, led by Director John Nyberg, that MOWCA’s multilateral structure—comprising ministers responsible for maritime affairs across member states—positions it to sustain and drive this initiative effectively.
The agreement includes the formation of a steering committee under MOWCA’s Secretariat, tasked with engaging stakeholders to promote hydrography in line with IHO’s global standards. Dr. Adalikwu explained that MOWCA would support the adoption of the S-100 framework, enabling seamless integration of databases within a single Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). This advancement aims to enhance situational awareness for seafarers through the combination of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), detailed depth information, and dynamic data on water levels and currents.
Mr. Nyberg expressed IHO’s satisfaction with the collaboration and commitment to establishing the Centre of Excellence at the Regional Academy of Science and Technology of the Seas (ARSTM), a leading MOWCA maritime institution. He noted that the partnership seeks to foster better information sharing within the region’s maritime ecosystem, further boosting operational effectiveness and safety standards.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting hydrographic excellence, reinforcing MOWCA’s pivotal role in regional maritime affairs.
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