The regional workshop on maritime digitalization, hosted by Ghana, aimed to strengthen the digitalization of ports in nine West and Central African countries. This event was held in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), and the World Bank on November 6, 2026, in Accra.
Key Objectives of the Workshop
The main goal of this workshop was to promote the adoption of the IMO "Facilitation and E-Commerce Guidelines" which dictate how to structure and share maritime and port data electronically. Additionally, the workshop addressed the increased implementation of Maritime Single Windows (MSWs) and Port Community Systems (PCSs). These systems act as integrated digital platforms that facilitate the unloading of ships and cargo while reducing bureaucratic delays.
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Promoting Regional Cooperation
In this workshop, regional and international organizations committed to translating policies into action, including the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Harbor Managers Committee (AHMC), and the African Alliance for E-Commerce (AAEC), came together. The workshop was attended by 55 participants, including 15 women, from maritime offices, port authorities, and customs in the countries of Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Sierra Leone.
The workshop sessions focused on the strategic benefits of implementing MSWs and the need to comply with the IMO guidelines, sharing lessons and best practices from IMO needs assessment missions in the region. Participating countries presented their port systems and engaged in learning from each other's experiences regarding advancements, challenges, and opportunities.
Supporting the Regional Trade Facilitation Ecosystem
The workshop examined potential synergies between Port Community Systems and MSWs to enhance port efficiency and facilitate trade. It also aimed to strengthen participants' understanding of the Facilitation Convention (FAL) and improve coordination among port stakeholders.
This workshop was the third in a series of regional events, following the first workshop in Abidjan in December 2025 and the second workshop in Dar es Salaam in April 2026. This event represents the expanding scale and momentum of continental efforts to advance maritime digitalization.
This initiative aligns with the Fourth Development Program (DP4) of SSATP, which prioritizes the digitalization of transport and trade corridors across Africa. MSWs are recognized as essential tools for reducing logistics costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the competitiveness of ports.
The workshop was conducted through the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Program (ITCP) in close collaboration with the World Bank and funding from the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF) and the Ministry of Transport of Ghana. This workshop is based on recent analytical work by SSATP titled "Bridging the Gap in Port Digital Infrastructure for Africa," emphasizing that effective implementation of MSWs depends not only on digital tools but also on a strong legal framework, robust institutional leadership, and coordinated stakeholder engagement.
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