Addis Ababa. Tanzania has officially signed the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter of 2010, marking a significant milestone in reinforcing its commitment to regional and international maritime development.
The signing took place on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Mr Mohamed Salum, signing on behalf of the Government of Tanzania.
Originally adopted in 1994 by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Charter was revised in 2010 by the African Union to better reflect evolving maritime challenges and aspirations.
It aims to promote an integrated, safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime transport system across the African continent.
By signing the Revised Charter, Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to international maritime cooperation, aligning itself with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) objectives of strengthening global maritime governance, safety, and environmental protection.
In his remarks after the signing, TASAC Director General, Mr Salum, stated,
“This is a proud moment for Tanzania. By signing the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter, we are not only committing to the continental maritime agenda, but also creating opportunities for greater participation in strategic platforms that advance our national and regional maritime interests.”
He went on to add, “It is a declaration that Tanzania stands ready to collaborate, innovate, and lead in the African maritime space.”
Strategic opportunities for TASAC through AAMA Membership
A direct benefit of signing the Revised Charter is that it enables TASAC to formally become a member of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), a key institution established under the Charter to coordinate, harmonize, and promote maritime policies and practices among African states.
Tanzania has already demonstrated leadership in this regard by hosting the 7th Ordinary Meeting of AAMA on November 29, 2023 in Dar es Salaam, bringing together maritime administrators from across the continent to discuss common regulatory frameworks, capacity development, and maritime security.
Formal membership in AAMA will enable TASAC to actively contribute to shaping Africa’s maritime policies, access a broader platform for technical cooperation and knowledge sharing, participate in high-level dialogues and capacity-building initiatives, and strengthen its influence in regional maritime governance structures.
This milestone aligns with Tanzania’s broader vision of leveraging the blue economy and strengthening its position as a maritime hub in the region.
