A new stage opens in regional maritime governance with the official assumption of office of Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang, Director General of the Gambia Maritime Administration, as Chairperson of the Committee of Experts of the West and Central African Maritime Organization (MOWCA) for the 2026–2028 term.
The handover ceremony was held on February 16, 2026 at the prestigious Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, following the opening ceremony of the 19th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly and the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of WCOWA — a symbolic milestone marking five decades of regional maritime cooperation.
A strategic mandate for 2026–2028
As head of the Committee of Experts, The Gambia will work closely with the MOWCA Secretariat to advance major regional priorities aimed at strengthening maritime integration and economic resilience in West and Central Africa.
Among the flagship initiatives are:
- The creation of a Regional Maritime Bank, intended to provide sustainable financing mechanisms for maritime infrastructure, port development, maritime transport and projects linked to the blue economy.
- The transformation of MOWCA in the African Maritime Organization, an ambitious institutional reform aimed at strengthening its mandate, its operational capacities and its influence on a continental scale.
These strategic orientations are part of a broader dynamic aimed at consolidating maritime security, facilitating trade, stimulating investments and accelerating the development of the African blue economy.
The rise of Gambian leadership
The appointment of Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang illustrates the rise in power of the Gambia in regional maritime governance. Under his leadership at the Gambia Maritime Administration, the country has affirmed its commitment to regulatory modernization, maritime security and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Assuming the presidency of the Committee of Experts on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the MOWCA gives this mandate a particularly symbolic significance, reflecting the Gambia's desire to play a leading role in the evolution of regional maritime cooperation.
Towards strengthening cooperation regional
The Committee of Experts occupies a strategic position in the development of technical recommendations, the harmonization of maritime policies and the support of Member States in the implementation of regional strategies.
With The Gambia at its head for the period 2026–2028, expectations are high in terms of reinforced coordination, financial innovation and ambitious institutional reforms.
For Maritimafrica, this taking office marks a good plus qu’un simple changement de leadership : elle symbolise l’affirmation d’une Gambie résolument engagée à façonner l’avenir de la gouvernance maritime en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre.
Source : maritimafrica.com
