The 3rd Assembly Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Maritime Affairs of Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa highlighted a crucial shift in the continent’s approach to maritime development. The newly branded Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA), formerly ISCOS, is taking center stage in driving regional collaboration and unlocking Africa’s maritime potential.
In his opening speech, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, emphasized the pressing need for African states to work together. He pointed out that over 80% of international trade relies on maritime transport, yet Africa has minimal control over the vessels carrying its goods. This dependence on foreign shipping companies exposes Africa to fluctuations in global rates and limited bargaining power.
MOESNA provides a promising solution. The organization’s goal is to build a single African voice in the maritime industry by promoting consistent rules and practices across member states. This collaboration will help to produce a competent workforce, establish uniform maritime standards, and ultimately build a strong African presence in the global shipping environment.
Hon. Tayali underscored the importance of regional maritime infrastructure development. He highlighted the disconnect between well-established transport corridors and the underutilized maritime sector. By prioritizing maritime connectivity and investing in African-owned vessels, the continent can streamline trade flows and reduce reliance on external actors.
The recent addition of Ethiopia to MOESNA membership represents increased regional commitment. Ethiopia’s experience in the aviation and maritime sectors, together with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s recent admission, bring considerable knowledge and resources to bear. This collective experience will be critical in addressing the issues encountered by landlocked countries, which frequently face inflated costs as a result of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) imposed by coastal states.
The Assembly served as a platform for member states to reaffirm their commitment to MOESNA. Minister Tayali urged representatives to prioritize ratification and active participation within the organization. This collective effort will be essential in mitigating rising shipping costs and securing favorable trade deals for Africa.
Looking ahead, MOESNA’s focus on domesticating marine cargo insurance is a significant step. This initiative has the potential to retain millions of dollars currently spent on foreign insurance firms, further propelling regional economic growth. Additionally, the development of a regional maritime transport policy demonstrates MOESNA’s commitment to harmonizing practices and tackling common challenges.
The 3rd Assembly Meeting marked a turning point for Africa’s maritime sector. With Zambia assuming chairmanship and MOESNA spearheading regional collaboration, African nations are poised to harness the vast potential of their maritime resources. By working together, they can create a more secure, prosperous, and interconnected African maritime future.
