IMO is facilitating a week-long workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (28 September - 2 October), aimed at helping countries in the region prepare for the IMO Member State audit scheme, which becomes mandatory from January 2016, by enhancing the human and institutional capacities of their maritime administrations. Ten Francophone countries from west and central Africa are participating in the workshop, which is hosted by the Ivorian Maritime and Ports Administration (DGAMP) and implemented under the framework of the FlagPort WACAF project.
Funded by the European Union (EU) through the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), the FlagPort WACAF project seeks to enhance safety and security, port efficiency and protection of the marine environment, and improve the working and living conditions of personnel on board ships. The overall objective is to support Africa’s economic growth, connectivity and the promotion of regional integration. Mara Luciano and Honorat Hoba from IMO are facilitating the workshop.