28 countries to take part in inaugural maritime conference

 

A total of 28 countries have so far confirmed their participation in the inaugural African Cabotage Conference expected to be held in Mombasa in November.

The principal secretary State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kainuka said that preparations were in top gear to host the conference that is expected to change the landscape of Maritime in Kenya and across the continent.

Speaking in Mombasa during the media launch of the conference at the Kenya Maritimes Authority towers, the PS said that the African Maritime Cabotage is a concept aimed at promoting and regulating the use of domestic shipping and maritime resources within African nations.

“One of the primary objectives of African Maritime Cabotage is to promote economic growth and job creation within the continent.”

“By encouraging the use of domestic shipping and maritime services, it can stimulate local industries and create employment opportunities for the youth,” said Kainuka.

The conference is being organized by the government in partnership with The Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Region (PMAESA), the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS), the County Government of Mombasa among others.

The PS said that the strategy can also help reduce dependency on foreign shipping lines, thereby improving the balance of trade.

The term “cabotage” refers to the transport of goods or passengers between two points within the same country’s borders and with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, countries Africa will freely trade without imaginary borders.

Africa, the PS said, is a continent with vast coastlines stretching 38,000 kilometers with abundant natural resources and a rapidly growing population.

However, this potential he said has for many years been underutilized.

“International shipping lines have dominated maritime trade, often to the detriment of African nations. African Maritime Cabotage seeks to address this issue and harness the continent’s maritime resources for its own development,” he said.

The PS added that the African cabotage will also play a crucial role in enhancing the security of African waters.

He said that by regulating and monitoring maritime activities, countries can better combat illegal activities like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

These activities he said are not only threatening national security but also hinder economic growth.

“By implementing effective cabotage regulations, African nations can ensure that their maritime boundaries are secure and well-patrolled,” the PS said.

He reiterated that the use of domestic shipping for regional trade can lead to more efficient and eco-friendly transportation that will not only reduce the carbon footprint but also contribute to preserving the delicate marine ecosystems along the African coasts.

He however noted with concern that it will come with its fair share of challenges including the need for substantial investment in infrastructure, shipbuilding, training, and technology.

Additionally, it will also demand transparent and efficient regulatory frameworks to ensure that cabotage rules are adhered to and enforced consistently.

“Collaboration and cooperation between African nations are key to the success of cabotage policies. The African Union and regional economic communities must work together to harmonize regulations, share best practices, and create a unified vision for the future of African maritime trade,” he said.

Stakeholders present at the launch lauded the move as a game changer in the shipping industry for Kenya and the continent at large.

PMAESA Secretary General Col. Andre Didace Ciseau said that intra-African trade was now about port-port trade within Africa.

He emphasized the need for more actions from African governments in order to sustainably explore the blue economy.

His sentiments were echoed by the secretary general for ISCOS Daniel Mwenza who insisted that for Africa to develop as a region, then there is need for countries to work as a team to achieve the Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AFCTA).

“As African nations, we need to invest in the shipping industry so that we too can be carrying our cargo using our own ships,” he said.

Kenya Maritime Authority acting director general John Omingo alluded to the fact that the concept of cabotage is to allow for big ships to bring cargo to shallow waters, which will in return be shipped using smaller vessels.

This he said will greatly impact the growth and development of upcoming shipping lines.  

By  

Haniel Mengistu