The Guinean government has announced plans to construct the largest shipyard in West Africa in partnership with Chinese companies, Minister of Transport and Government spokesperson Ousmane Gaoual Diallo said Tuesday.
During a site visit to the coastal city of Boke, located over 300 km northwest of the capital Conakry, Diallo and his delegation inspected a 50-hectare area designated for the project.
Diallo said the shipyard carries strategic importance as it will enable the maintenance and repair of vessels of all sizes, the production of maritime equipment, and the training of a skilled local workforce.
“It is a large-scale project, which will be not only the largest in West Africa but also one of the most significant on the continent. It could lay the foundation for the future industrialization of our country,” he said.
The first phase, focused on ship repair, is expected to become operational within two years, while a second phase, scheduled to begin five years later, will focus on shipbuilding and the development of a cluster of small-scale industries around the shipyard site, according to the minister.
Diallo noted that such infrastructure is lacking in the West African subregion, despite the steady growth of maritime trade. Through the project, he said, Guinea aims to position itself as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
With more than 350 km of coastline stretching from the northwest to the southwest, Guinea holds a major geographical advantage in realizing this ambition, he added. Enditem