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Back to topCHAtO-19: VICE PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR STRONGER MARITIME COOPERATION IN AFRICA
CHAtO-19: VICE PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR STRONGER MARITIME COOPERATION IN AFRICA
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mr. Téné Birahima OUATTARA, officially opened the 19th Conference of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC-19) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Azalaï Hotel in Marcory, Abidjan.
The opening ceremony brought together government officials, international experts, representatives of the member states of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC), technical partners, maritime sector stakeholders, and numerous decision-makers from Africa and Europe around a common ambition: to make African maritime spaces safer, better charted, and more conducive to economic development.
In his address, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Patron of the event, stated that the conference is fully aligned with the vision of His Excellency Mr. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, who has made maritime security, human capital development, and the sustainable promotion of blue economy key priorities of public policy.
He emphasized that maritime spaces now represent a major challenge in terms of security, sovereignty, and economic development for African states, recalling that the quality of hydrographic surveys and nautical charts remains a prerequisite for safe navigation, port infrastructure development, marine resource protection, and the growth of blue economy.
According to His Excellency Mr. Téné Birahima OUATTARA, cooperation among countries along the Atlantic coast is more essential than ever in addressing challenges related to maritime security, environmental preservation, and the sustainable exploitation of ocean resources. He called on member states to strengthen the exchange of experiences, enhance technical capacities, and reinforce solidarity in order to build a safer and more prosperous maritime space.
Welcoming the various delegations, the Managing Director of the Abidjan Port Authority (PAA), Mr. Kassoum TRAORÉ, highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic position within the regional maritime landscape. He noted that hosting this conference in Abidjan reflects not only the confidence placed in the country but also the sustained efforts made to modernize port infrastructure and improve services provided to maritime users.
He expressed his deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, for his vision and commitment to the development of port and maritime infrastructure, which have enabled Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen its status as a leading logistics and maritime hub in West Africa.
The Managing Director of PAA also thanked His Excellency Mr. Téné Birahima OUATTARA for accepting to sponsor the event, as well as Mr. Amadou KONÉ, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs, and Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, co-chairs of the conference, for their continuous commitment to the development of the maritime sector and their valuable support in organizing this international gathering.
Taking the floor, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ emphasized the essential role of hydrographic data in the design and construction of maritime infrastructure. He called on states to pool their expertise and invest more heavily in technology and training to support the transformation of Africa’s maritime sector.
For his part, the President of EAtHC, Captain Moustapha TAFRHY, welcomed the strong mobilization of member states around this 19th conference. He expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in hydrography in recent years while encouraging participants to continue strengthening cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technical capacity-building.
The Director of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), Dr. John NYBERG, praised the progress made by several countries in the field of hydrography. He called for accelerated efforts in training, data sharing, and capacity development, while expressing his gratitude to the Ivorian authorities for the quality of the organization and hospitality, which foster productive exchanges.
This opening ceremony follows the regional seminar held on June 29 and 30, 2026, under the theme: “Training in Hydrography, Oceanography and Marine Cartography in West Africa: Achievements and Prospects.” The preparatory meeting highlighted progress achieved in these fields and identified the challenges that must be addressed to endow the region with skills aligned with international standards.
By hosting EAtHC-19, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its determination to play a leading role in maritime governance in West Africa. Beyond the technical discussions, the conference illustrates a shared ambition: to make hydrographic cooperation a strategic lever for maritime safety, sustainable economic development, and regional integration.
