PROJECTS AND PROGRAM

Since its creation in May 1975, OMAOC has been actively involved in a wide range of projects and programs to achieve its objectives.
From 1975 to 1990, OMAOC, then known as of CMEAOC/TM, has:

  • Created a useful framework for cooperation in the field of maritime transport;
  • Developed a program to increase the participation of the sub-region in the provision of maritime services, while protecting the interests of shippers through the Shippers' Councils. This was achieved through fierce negotiations led by UNCTAD on the Code of Conduct for Maritime Conferences which guaranteed the right of developing countries, not only to equitable participation in the provision of maritime transport services, but also to protect the interests of shippers through the negotiation of freight rates; African Shippers' Councils (UCCA) and the Association of National Maritime Navigation Companies (ACNMA);
  • Regionalized and strengthened maritime academies, one in Abidjan and the other in Accr

From 1990 to 1998, the then CMEAO/TM continued to be a useful framework for cooperation of member states in a changing world economic order, moving from protectionist policies to liberalization. The Organization's projects and programs were therefore focused on four main areas, namely:

  • The Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Program (SSATP) initiated by the World Bank. The CMEAOC/World Bank Cotonou round tables on maritime policy, held in 1992 and 1997, resulted in the adoption of an action plan to improve the efficiency of maritime transport in the sub-region;
  • The second decade of the United Nations for Transport and Communications in Africa (1991-2000). The then CMEAOC was active in seeking funding to implement important sub-regional projects, including those relating to bulk transport, maritime insurance and the establishment of a Regional Institute of Maritime Documentation, Research and Studies;
  • Cooperation through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning maritime safety and environmental protection. Eleven subregional projects were moving in this direction; among others, the development of flag State and Port State capacities, assistance to maritime administrations, regional seminars and workshops, the development of national regulations for fishing vessels, the development of national and sub-regional contingency plans in the event of accidental oil spills. However, with the establishment in 1998 of two IMO coordination offices in Abidjan and Accra, the above program was largely transferred to them.

Since 1999, OMAOC has focused on strengthening sub-regional cooperation and the execution of maritime transport and transit projects and programs. This period was characterized by radical changes in the mission and orientation of the Organization with a view to achieving sectoral integration of Member States in the field of maritime transport and transit.
At an extraordinary session of the General Assembly of Ministers of Transport held in Abidjan, in August 1999:

  • The name CMEAOC/TM was transformed into OMAOC;
  • A set of revised objectives and a new organizational structure were approved;
  • A greater interdependence of approach in the implementation of projects and programs through a new financing system was adopted. Member States decided to establish a Regional Maritime Fund to provide greater support for the financing of national and sub-regional maritime transport and transit projects and programs;
  • The new mission of OMAOC: tend towards the realization in the sub-region of profitable maritime transport and transit services, with greater safety and less pollution.

OMAOC, on this basis, continued its projects and programs with a view to achieving its new mission.
- In terms of the profitability of maritime transport and transit services:

  • A sub-regional cabotage service and policy with a view to providing profitable cabotage services while supporting intra-African trade and creating maritime jobs; hence the creation of cabotage companies; ECOMARINE and SATOMAR among others;
  • The facilitation of transit transport and the ``Leaded Grid system'' with a view to promoting the fluidity and security of the transport of goods in transit across national borders, by ensuring the fluidity of road traffic of goods. This involves the execution of the United Nations Almaty Action Program on Transit Transport;
  • The development of multimodal transport and logistics services in the sub-region.

- In terms of maritime safety, security and environmental protection:

  • The development of the capacities of the flag State and the Port State for the control of ships in West and Central Africa carried out in collaboration with the IMO during the three sub-regional preparatory meetings which led to the signing and establishment, in October 1999, of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja/MOU) on the control of ships by the Port State intended to implement the IMO Conventions on the control of ships by the Port State through a coordinated inspection of ships calling at the ports of the sub-region with a view to eliminating the ships non-standard.
  • An integrated sub-regional Coast Guard network: the objective of the project is to implement the appropriate IMO conventions aimed at ensuring the security of ships, passengers and goods in the territorial waters of the sub-region against piracy, armed robbery and other illicit/terrorist acts against maritime commerce (application of the SUA Convention) as well as against marine pollution and illegal exploitation of the resources of Member States of the Organization.
  • Implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code); the majority of coastal member states of WCOA are now in compliance with the provisions of the Code.
  • Maintenance and strengthening of cooperation between maritime academies in the sub-region. The maritime academies comply with the STCW Code 95 and train high-level students.

- In terms of the flow of information:

  • The Information and Communication Center aims to ensure the effective flow of information in the sub-region and to assist the port State control activities with a view to the coordinated inspection of ships in the ports of the Member States of the Organization; access to documentation on the site www.marineafric.com

- In terms of financial support for projects and programs:

  • The Regional Maritime Fund and the creation of the Regional Maritime Bank with a view to financial support for national and regional projects and programs and maritime transport and transit.