MOWCA, Singapore set to seal landmark MoU on port modernisation, greener shipping in London
Adalikwu pushes for digital ports, capacity building across West and Central Africa
By Maureen Aguta
In a major step toward transforming maritime operations across West and Central Africa, the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the Singaporean Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) are set to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London later this year, focusing on port modernization, human capital development, and greener shipping initiatives.
The agreement follows a high-level bilateral meeting in Singapore between Dr. Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of MOWCA, and Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the MPA, where both parties explored avenues for long-term technical cooperation.
Adalikwu commended Singapore’s globally recognized port efficiency and digital systems, saying MOWCA aims to replicate such success within its 25 member states. He called for Singapore’s technical support in critical areas including human capital development, infrastructure upgrade, cargo handling, and maintenance of port facilities.
“Singapore’s port system stands as a global benchmark for efficiency and innovation. Our goal is to tap into that expertise to drive similar transformation across West and Central African ports,” Adalikwu said.
Highlighting the need for digital transformation, the MOWCA Secretary-General underscored the importance of adopting a Maritime Single
Window system — a platform that enables harmonized, single-document submission for all import and export processes. According to him, such digitalization is key to eliminating bureaucratic delays and ensuring seamless cargo flow across African ports.
On environmental sustainability, Adalikwu reaffirmed MOWCA’s commitment to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by or around 2050. He disclosed that the organisation has advised member states to set intermediate emission-reduction milestones, including a 20 percent cut by 2030.
“The blue economy can only thrive on a sustainable foundation. Partnering with Singapore will help MOWCA states build cleaner, smarter, and more competitive ports,” he stated.
In response, Mr. Keong praised MOWCA’s forward-looking vision and assured Adalikwu of Singapore’s readiness to support capacity-building and port modernisation across the subregion.
“Singapore is eager to collaborate with MOWCA in realizing its ambitious maritime transformation agenda. We believe this partnership will accelerate sustainable growth for the region,” Keong said.
Both sides agreed that the upcoming London MoU signing will formalize the partnership’s framework, detailing modalities for technical assistance, digital port integration, and green shipping initiatives.
Dr. Adalikwu also pledged MOWCA’s collective support for Singapore’s IMO Council Seat bid in the forthcoming elections, describing the collaboration as mutually beneficial and strategically aligned with global maritime priorities.
If approved and implemented, the MoU is expected to mark a turning point for Africa’s maritime landscape—ushering in a new era of modern, digitized, and environmentally responsible ports capable of competing with the world’s best.
“Our goal is to tap into Singapore’s port expertise to drive a similar transformation across West and Central Africa.” — Dr. Paul Adalikwu, MOWCA Secretary-General