The Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Affairs at the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Margaret Ansumana, has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to on-going efforts by the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA) to establish a comprehensive maritime infrastructure financing framework, including the creation of a Regional Maritime Development Bank and the proposed founding of an African Maritime Organization.
Speaking on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the 19th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly and the 50th Anniversary of MOWCA in Banjul, The Gambia, Cllr. Ansumana delivered remarks on behalf of LiMA’s Commissioner/CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. She acknowledged the magnitude of the tasks ahead but expressed confidence in the collective will of member states to achieve these historic milestones.
“While we are mindful of the complex and demanding path toward realizing these ambitious initiatives, Liberia is absolutely confident that, through unity and determination, they are achievable,” she stated.
Under the theme, “Fostering Effective Civil Services, High Safety Standards, and Low Pollution”, the Assembly is holding deliberations to address critical challenges confronting the region’s maritime domain, including inland waterway safety, environmental sustainability, maritime security, and trade facilitation. Delegates are also reviewing capacity-building programs, environmental protection initiatives, and strategies aimed at strengthening regional trade integration.
Central to the deliberations is MOWCA’s proposal to establish a Regional Maritime Development Bank to provide sustainable financing mechanisms for maritime infrastructure, port modernization, shipping development, and blue economy projects. In addition, discussions advanced the launch of a MOWCA Regional Maritime Fund to mobilize resources for priority regional initiatives.
At the landmark gathering, Cllr. Ansumana joined other member states in deliberating on transforming MOWCA into an African Maritime Organization, a strategic institutional reform designed to elevate the body’s mandate, enhance its operational capacity, and expand its continental influence in maritime governance.
“The Liberian delegation joins other delegations in thanking the Republic of The Gambia for successfully hosting the 19th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly of MOWCA.
“We also wish to commend the Secretary-General and Secretariat of MOWCA for the transformative work they continue to do in making this noble organization a coordinating and unifying force within the maritime domain, particularly in West and Central Africa,” she noted.
Cllr. Ansumana observed that the assembly and anniversary celebration are taking place at a time when the region faces pressing maritime challenges, including illegal fishing, piracy, threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystems, and high seaborne transport costs.
“To address these issues, we must strengthen regional cooperation, share expertise and experience, collaborate effectively, and mobilize both financial and human resources,” she emphasized. “In this regard, we acknowledge the tremendous work MOWCA continues to do in driving strategic reforms and building partnerships aimed at reshaping Africa’s maritime future.”
Deputy Commissioner Ansumana concluded by reaffirming Liberia’s full commitment to all on-going initiatives intended to transform the maritime sector of the region and the African continent as a whole.
