ABER Appoints AMSSA Executive Officer as West Africa Regional FacilitatorThe Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed the Executive Officer of the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency (AMSSA), Captain Noah Isa Amwe, as its West Africa Regional Facilitator.The appointment took effect from May 1, 2026, according to ABER Executive Director, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, who spoke with journalists in Abuja at the weekend.Kiyaramo said the Management Committee unanimously approved Amwe’s nomination in recognition of his distinguished career in maritime safety, security and blue economy governance.He described the appointment as strategic, noting that Amwe’s technical expertise and international networks would strengthen efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea and advance West Africa’s blue economy.”Captain Amwe brings critical technical expertise and international networks at a time when securing the Gulf of Guinea and unlocking West Africa’s Blue Economy is a top priority,” Kiyaramo said.He expressed confidence that Amwe would deepen ABER’s regional impact in line with its 2026 theme, “From Blue Water to Blue Prosperity.”As Regional Facilitator, Amwe will coordinate engagement with ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission and member states across West Africa.He will also coordinate country missions, stakeholder consultations and workshops, while identifying bankable projects in maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, ports and coastal resilience.His responsibilities include mobilising partnerships with governments, development finance institutions, private investors and development partners to accelerate blue economy initiatives.Amwe will also provide policy advisory services aligned with the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy and the AU 2026 Water Theme.In addition, he will submit regional reports and represent ABER at regional and international forums on blue economy development.A Merchant Navy Captain and Marine Engineer, Amwe currently serves as Executive Officer of AMSSA and has extensive international training and operational experience.Kiyaramo said Amwe’s partnerships with NATO, the European Union and the United Nations, alongside his Gulf of Guinea expertise, position him to advance ABER’s mandate across West Africa.He added that the appointment is for an initial 24-month tenure, renewable based on performance, and is voluntary without financial remuneration.ABER is a continental platform that brings together governments, academia, the private sector, women and youth to promote sustainable and inclusive blue economy development across Africa.
