About GIWACAF

GI WACAF is a cooperation project between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for advancing environmental and social performance. It was launched in a shared desire to improve the level of preparedness and response to oil spills in the west, central and southern Africa region.

GI WACAF works in close cooperation with relevant national authorities in 22 African countries, supporting them in strengthening their oil spill preparedness and response capabilities. By doing so, GI WACAF is contributing to a better protection of the marine and shoreline environment in the region.

The Project works in the spirit of IMO’s International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990), which promotes industry-government cooperation and encourages them to work together to address core elements of effective preparedness and response to an oil spill.

GI WACAF focuses on six of these core elements:

  1. Designation of authorities in charge
  2. Ratification of relevant international conventions
  3. Development of a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
  4. Structuring of regional agreements
  5. Implementation of training and exercises
  6. Procurement of national resources and equipment

To achieve this objective, the GI WACAF Project sets up and delivers activities in close liaison with its network of dedicated government and industry focal points. Constantly adapting to reflect the various needs of the participating countries, the Project organizes activities which can take various forms, from workshops to trainings, technical advice missions or exercises.

The Project's activities are based on the latest technical development achieved in the field of oil spill preparedness and response.

With more than 100 activities organised in 22 countries, and more than 5,000 persons trained since 2006, the GI WACAF work practice has proved efficient and valuable for the region.

GI WACAF is supported and funded by IMO. Oil and gas industry members, namely BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Eni, Shell, Total and Woodside, also provide financial resources for the implementation of the Project through an annual contribution.