Strengthening Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea

Insights on the IMO–Republic of Korea SMART-C Counter-Piracy Initiative

Maritime security remains central to safe and sustainable maritime operations across the Gulf of Guinea. With piracy and maritime crime continuing to challenge seafarers, shipowners and coastal States, the need for coordinated, well-resourced regional security frameworks has never been more urgent.

In response, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have launched the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy Project, a strategic effort designed to enhance the capacity of Gulf of Guinea States to combat piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit maritime activities. This initiative forms part of the broader IMO–RoK Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation Programme.

Why the SMART-C Initiative Matters

Recent maritime intelligence reports highlight an uptick in piracy incidents across the Gulf of Guinea in 2025 — a reminder that sustained international cooperation, regional leadership, and long-term investment remain critical in securing West Africa’s waters.

The SMART-C project directly supports the United Nations Security Council’s call for strengthened international collaboration to combat piracy and enhance maritime security in vulnerable regions. Backed by a USD $3 million funding commitment from the Republic of Korea, the project provides the financial and technical reinforcement necessary to empower coastal States.

Key Strategic Outcomes of the SMART-C Project

1. Enhanced Maritime Security Capabilities

The initiative aims to strengthen national and regional maritime security architecture by:

• Improving surveillance, response, and law enforcement capabilities.

• Deepening cooperation among coastal States.

• Supporting human resource development across navies, maritime agencies, and port authorities.

These elements are essential for preventing, detecting, and responding to maritime threats effectively.

2. Sustainable Regional Training Capacity

A core component of the project is the establishment of long-lasting training capacity.

An initial inception study will assess current regional training facilities and needs, with the intention of upgrading one or more existing institutions to deliver long-term maritime security programmes.

This approach prioritises sustainability — ensuring expertise remains within the region, reducing long-term dependence on external training support.

3. Strengthened Regional Coordination & Knowledge Sharing

The project will also enhance:

• Inter-agency coordination

• Legal framework alignment

• Operational and training standards

• Knowledge exchange across the Gulf of Guinea maritime community

All activities will be aligned with the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, IMO maritime security instruments, and international law.

Agwe Global’s Perspective as a Maritime Security Provider

At Agwe Global, we recognise that improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea requires a multi-layered approach driven by strong regional ownership. The SMART-C initiative aligns with the principles we champion every day:

• Sustainable national capability, not ad-hoc interventions

• Interoperable security procedures across maritime agencies

• Robust training and operational excellence

• Information-sharing and legal support that ensures actionable outcomes

As an active maritime security provider in the region, we stand ready to support collaborative efforts that enhance the capacity of coastal States, strengthen security frameworks, and protect seafarers and commercial assets.

A Step Forward for Regional Stability

The collaboration between the IMO and the Republic of Korea marks a significant and timely investment in the long-term security of the Gulf of Guinea. By focusing on capability development, sustainable training, and stronger regional cooperation, the SMART-C initiative contributes meaningfully to safer oceans, protected trade routes, and enhanced maritime governance.

Agwe Global welcomes this development and remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote secure and resilient maritime operations across the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.