The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) is strengthening regional maritime capacity by fostering collaboration among training institutions to address the human capital gap.
Secretary General of the organisation, Dr. Paul Adalikwu, stated this at the opening session of a four-day exchange visit involving the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Accra; Académie Régionale des Sciences et Techniques de la Mer, Abidjan; and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.
Adalikwu noted that over 90% of the region’s trade was carried by sea, yet its ability to fully harness the benefits of its vast maritime domain depends largely on the quality of human capital it develops.
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While expressing optimism about progress through synergy, he identified key challenges facing maritime training, including digital transformation and emerging maritime technologies; decarbonisation and environmental compliance; and maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea.
He also pointed to increasing global standards for training and certification as an attainable benchmark through collaboratio, one that would open opportunities, ensure recognition of certifications, and enhance job placement for African youths in the maritime sector.
According to him, the collaboration will provide a unique platform to harmonise curricula and training standards; promote faculty and student exchanges; and enable the sharing of infrastructure and research outputs, among other benefits.
“Ultimately, what we seek to build is not just cooperation—but a cohesive regional maritime knowledge ecosystem.
“MOWCA remains firmly committed to supporting initiatives that enhance maritime capacity and institutional collaboration across our member states.
“This aligns with our broader strategic priorities, including: the development of a skilled maritime workforce; promotion of safe, secure, and efficient shipping; strengthening regional integration; provide the needed capacity for the promotion of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and Intra-African trade,” Adalikwu said.
He added that the synergy would further research into African contributions toward solutions on alternative fuel energy sources and support the establishment of sustainable maritime institutions, including initiatives such as the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank.
Collaboration
Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, described the maiden edition of the exchange visit hosted in Nigeria, as an honour aimed at establishing collaboration among maritime training institutions in the region and globally.
Okonna recalled that in November 2025, MAN Oron hosted officials from RMU Ghana at its 2025 graduation ceremony, where a memorandum of understanding was reached and is close to full consummation.
He commended MOWCA for enhancing efforts to harmonise maritime education and training across West and Central Africa, expressing confidence that the synergy would lead to lecturer and student exchanges, socio-cultural interaction, and greater unity within the region’s maritime ecosystem.
Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro Brooks, lauded MOWCA’s intervention and urged maritime training institutions across the region to emulate the initiative for the rapid development of the African continent.
He emphasised that Africa’s challenges are better addressed through collaboration rather than isolation, highlighting the importance of shared resources, aligned training curricula, and harmonisation.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Abidjan-based Regional Academy of Marine Sciences and Technology, Colonel Coulibally Kareem, praised MOWCA for laying the foundation for a sustainable relationship to advance African maritime training to international standards.
According to Coulibally, the initiative provides an opportunity to compare training curricula and develop solutions to challenges in maritime education, while reaffirming the academy’s full support.
Former Head of the African Section, Subdivision for Maritime Development at the International Maritime Organisation, William Azuh, described the meeting as timely and a bold step toward advancing maritime training for member countries and beyond.
