The meeting of government experts reviewing the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy Action Plan ended on April 24, 2026, after four days of intensive work at the Lomé International Conference Center. The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, organised the session in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime under the Safe Seas for Africa project, funded by the European Union. The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening maritime security across the region.
The session aimed to give ECOWAS government experts the opportunity to examine and contribute to the Action Plan of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, following the organisation’s validation and adoption process. It also focused on ensuring that implementation remains coordinated and aligned with the ECOWAS Commission’s mandate.
Experts from Ministries of Defence, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, along with Committees for State Action at Sea from ECOWAS Member States, took part in the meeting. A delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Dr. Cyriaque Agnekethom, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, also participated.
The meeting also included the Head of the West Africa Regional Maritime Security Centre, Heads of Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres from Zones E, F, and G, as well as representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union Delegation.
Captain Babate Atatoum, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Togolese Navy, opened the session by pointing to the significant changes in the maritime domain. He reaffirmed Togo’s commitment since 2014 to building a safe and prosperous maritime space and described the Action Plan as a practical framework for pooling resources and improving cooperation among naval forces.
Mr. Ferruccio Bogo, representing the European Union Delegation in Togo, praised ECOWAS for developing a strong regional framework on maritime security. He noted that while the Gulf of Guinea offers major opportunities for the blue economy, it still faces evolving threats. He added that with more than 90 percent of African trade moving by sea, secure maritime routes remain essential for sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Toure, Ambassador Emily Deweh highlighted the importance of coordination among maritime actors. She also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Togo for hosting the meeting.
His Excellency Stanislas Baba, Minister Advisor for the Sea, represented by Mr. Lare Penn, described the West African maritime domain as central to regional integration. He pointed to challenges such as piracy, illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, and climate change, and called for stronger joint responses across the region.
His Excellency Kokou Edem Kokou, Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection, described the meeting as a decisive moment. He stressed that a strategy needs a clear action plan to be effective and reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the session beyond its role as host.
The ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy Action Plan aims to strengthen governance, improve operational coordination, and encourage shared use of resources to tackle maritime threats while unlocking the full potential of West Africa’s blue economy.
source: maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council