Dar es Salaam. In the heart of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a pivotal gathering was taking place that could shape the future of maritime transport across the African continent.
The 7th Annual General Assembly and Conference of the African Maritime Authorities was underway, bringing together experts and stakeholders from various nations to discuss challenges and opportunities facing maritime transport.
The conference, officially opened on Friday, November 29, 2024, by Dr Doto Biteko, the Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, was a testament to the growing importance of collaboration within Africa’s maritime sector.
Dr Biteko, in his opening address, called for enhanced cooperation among African maritime authorities to improve safety standards, reduce accidents, and increase efficiency in the transport of goods across the seas.
“Our countries must work together to strengthen maritime security and, in turn, boost economic growth through improved shipping services,” said Dr Biteko.
He urged the participants to use the meeting as an opportunity to craft new strategies that could address the existing challenges.
His message was clear: collective action and sharing of knowledge were the keys to overcoming the difficulties the sector faced.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the maritime sector’s potential was immense, but it could only be fully realized through unity and shared solutions.
“Let us set specific goals here that will help us achieve enhanced safety and a more robust maritime industry,” he continued, encouraging the delegates to think innovatively and collaborate more effectively.
Prof Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania’s Minister for Transport, welcomed the delegates with a call to action regarding the future of the sector.
“One of the key aspects we must focus on is the development of human resources, especially involving youth in maritime safety and transport,” he said.
By investing in the younger generation, he noted, Africa could ensure the sustainable growth of its maritime industry.
Prof Mbarawa highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to improve its maritime infrastructure, including large-scale projects like the modernization of the Dar es Salaam Port and the construction of the electric railway linking Dar es Salaam with Morogoro and Dodoma.
These initiatives, he explained, not only enhanced transport efficiency but also contributed to reducing environmental pollution, a significant concern for the future of global shipping.
Mr Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), echoed the importance of cooperation, praising Tanzania for hosting the event and reaffirming the IMO’s commitment to supporting these global discussions.
“The IMO will continue to facilitate such international meetings to foster stronger partnerships and help address the unique challenges faced by each country,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister’s call for innovation resonated throughout the conference.
Experts presented ideas ranging from adopting green technologies in shipping to improving maritime safety standards, ensuring that African ports were not only more efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
By encouraging more inter-country partnerships and leveraging new technologies, such as digital platforms for tracking shipments and smart port management systems, delegates saw the potential for a transformative shift in Africa’s maritime operations.
One of the key themes that emerged was the importance of addressing environmental sustainability.
The African maritime sector, like others worldwide, faces growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
The government of Tanzania underscored Tanzania’s commitment to this cause, emphasizing how the modernization of Dar es Salaam Port, alongside the electric railway projects, was a step toward aligning with global environmental standards.
As part of the discussions, several countries pledged to collaborate on developing low-emission technologies to reduce the impact of shipping on the climate.
As the conference progressed, the shared vision became clearer: An African maritime industry that was secure, efficient, environmentally responsible, and inclusive.
The discussions fostered a strong sense of commitment among the participants to not only improve their own countries’ maritime capabilities but to work together toward a common goal that would benefit the continent as a whole.
During the event, Mr Edward Mpogolo, the District Commissioner of Ilala, representing the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, expressed his gratitude to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to improve the Dar es Salaam Port.
“Thanks to the leadership of Her Excellency President, the congestion at the port has significantly reduced, allowing for smoother loading and unloading of cargo,” said Mr Mpogolo.
As the conference progressed, it became evident that the primary goal was to foster a deeper sense of unity among African nations in addressing the broader challenges facing the maritime industry.
Participants from across the continent shared their experiences, discussed best practices, and brainstormed solutions to common problems such as piracy, shipping congestion, environmental pollution, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
With the three-day conference underway, the participants are engaging in discussions with renewed energy, exchanging a wealth of new ideas, and strengthening their sense of regional solidarity.
As they continue their time in Dar es Salaam, they are confident that their collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future for Africa’s maritime sector, one that will play a crucial role in the continent’s economic development for years to come.
By working together, they will lay the groundwork for a maritime industry that will not only enhance trade and transportation across Africa but also drive sustainable development, improve safety, and create new opportunities for future generations.
