The 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in West and Central Africa opened in Libreville, Gabon, on September 25, 2026. The conference, attended by ministers and experts from the region, aims to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by developing competencies and enhancing cooperation among states. The meeting focuses on ensuring the availability of qualified, experienced, and regularly trained inspectors to address the complexities of the sector and evolving ship technologies.
The conference is built on the preparatory meetings of experts held earlier in the week. It is themed "Navigating safely at sea, sustainably managing the professional development of port state control officers." The discussions center on guaranteeing the long-term availability of competent officers in the face of a rapidly changing maritime landscape. Gabon's Minister of Transport, Merchant Navy, and Logistics, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the importance of human capital in maritime security.
Minister Manfoumbi stressed that maritime security is not just a regulatory obligation but a collective responsibility. He called for concerted action from sector stakeholders and advocated for harmonized procedures between port and flag states. According to him, safety has no borders, and collaboration is essential to address the challenges. The minister also highlighted the need for women and men with sufficient training, particularly qualified and experienced inspectors.
The conference brings together concerned actors to strengthen cooperation mechanisms and human and institutional capacities dedicated to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Through this meeting, Gabon reaffirms its commitment to enhanced maritime cooperation and aims to establish Libreville as a framework for consultation on key maritime security challenges. The discussions will focus on sustainable solutions to ensure safe navigation and combat piracy in the region.
The Abuja Memorandum of Understanding, signed in 1999, aims to ensure compliance with international maritime standards and facilitate cooperation among its member states. The current conference seeks to build on previous agreements and address emerging challenges in the maritime domain. Participants will share experiences, best practices, and strategies to enhance maritime security and promote sustainable development in the region.
The Gulf of Guinea has faced significant maritime security challenges, including piracy and armed robbery. The region's strategic importance for international trade and the need for safe navigation make it essential to address these concerns. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and develop concrete solutions to these challenges.
The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute to the development of a robust maritime security framework in the Gulf of Guinea. The meeting's success will depend on the commitment of participating states to implement agreed-upon measures and enhance cooperation. By working together, the region can ensure safer seas and promote sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- The conference aims to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by developing competencies and enhancing cooperation among states.
- The meeting focuses on ensuring the availability of qualified, experienced, and regularly trained inspectors to address the complexities of the sector and evolving ship technologies.
- Gabon reaffirms its commitment to enhanced maritime cooperation and aims to establish Libreville as a framework for consultation on key maritime security challenges.
