THE GAMBIA TO HOST 12TH ORDINARY SESSION OF MOWCA BUREAU OF MINISTERS
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure will host the 12th Ordinary Session of the Bureau of Ministers of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) from 16 to 17 November 2026 in Banjul, bringing together ministers, senior government officials and maritime experts from across the region.
The Bureau of Ministers serves as the governing body that meets between sessions of the MOWCA General Assembly to review progress and consider the implementation of decisions adopted by Member States. The session therefore provides an important opportunity to assess the Organization’s activities and provide strategic direction on priority maritime issues facing the region.
The meeting comes at a pivotal time for the organization as Member States consider key reforms aimed at strengthening regional maritime cooperation and accelerating maritime development. Discussions will focus on the implementation of MOWCA’s 2026 work programme, the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), institutional and financial reforms, Member States’ contributions under the Regional Maritime Fund mechanism, and the proposed transformation of MOWCA into the African Maritime Organization (AMO). Delegates will also consider a proposal for convening the first MOWCA Summit of Heads of State.
