The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in collaboration with the Government of Denmark, successfully delivered a five-day national capacity development course on Developing a Maritime Security Culture in the Gulf of Guinea from 20–24 April 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The course was organised under the KAIPTC–Denmark project, “Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain in West and Central Africa (2022–2026).” The project seeks to strengthen knowledge, collaboration and coordinated responses among maritime stakeholders across the region.
The training brought together 27 participants from 16 institutions representing both state and non-state maritime security sectors in Côte d’Ivoire. Participants included representatives from the Navy, marine police, gendarmerie, customs, judiciary, fisheries, port administration, maritime authorities, private shipping companies and civil society organisations.
Over five days, participants explored key issues shaping maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, including maritime threats and governance frameworks, intelligence and information sharing, incident reporting, stakeholder coordination, gender and women’s participation in maritime security, inter-agency collaboration, and the Blue Economy.
The course also provided participants with an opportunity to engage in practical exercises aimed at identifying institutional gaps and strengthening coordination among maritime actors. A visit to the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Abidjan and a lagoon excursion further enabled participants to gain practical insights into maritime operations, vessel monitoring, emergency response and environmental stewardship.
Participant feedback indicated strong satisfaction with the course, with an overall average rating of 4.3 out of 5, equivalent to 86% satisfaction. Participants particularly highlighted the relevance of the training to their work, the effectiveness of the facilitators and the high level of interaction throughout the course.
The course concluded on 24 April 2026 with a closing ceremony and the presentation of certificates. Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen collaboration, coordination and collective responses to maritime security challenges in Côte d’Ivoire and across the wider Gulf of Guinea.
Through continued research, dialogue and capacity development, the KAIPTC–Denmark Maritime Security Project remains committed to supporting stronger, more collaborative and inclusive responses to maritime safety and security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.