Mombasa, Kenya – Geoffrey Kaituko, the Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary (PS), emphasized the need for regional collaboration to boost the maritime sector in Africa. His call to action was made during the African Maritime Cabotage and Blue Economy conference held in Mombasa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kaituko, in his address, stressed the importance of uniting leaders, visionaries, industry experts, and innovators in harnessing the oceans’ potential. He pointed out that countries involved in maritime trade should work together to chart a sustainable path for maritime transport development on the continent. “Harnessing the potential of cabotage will nurture our shipping sectors, leading to skilled maritime workforce development, robust shipbuilding industries, and thriving ancillary services,” he stated.
The PS highlighted that regional collaboration could enhance national security by increasing control over coastal waters and promoting self-reliance. He expressed concern over the long-standing perception that maritime activities were too complex for African nations, leading to inadequate investment in the sector. This situation has allowed foreign entities to dominate local shipping. Kaituko urged for a change in this narrative, insisting on Africa’s capability to excel in maritime endeavors.
Kaituko pointed out the success of cargo transshipment between ports as evidence of the potential for developing local shipping sectors. The conference discussions centered on reserving local shipping opportunities for regional players and addressing the limitations of local Ship’s Registries due to unfavorable policies and regulatory frameworks.
To fully harness the maritime sector’s potential, Kaituko advocated for a paradigm shift with measures to enhance the appeal of Ship’s Registers. He suggested implementing favorable taxation policies, streamlining the ship registration process, offering competitive registration fees, and ensuring access to essential services like ship repairs, maintenance, and surveying. Facilitating access to ship financing and insurance is also crucial.
Moreover, Kaituko underscored the importance of protecting the oceans’ fragile ecosystem and developing sustainable shipping practices to minimize the environmental footprint. He encouraged the participation of women and youth in all aspects of the Blue Economy, emphasizing that their inclusion not only enriches collective expertise but also empowers future generations.
Kaituko’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the maritime sector’s potential in Africa and the need for collaborative efforts to realize its full potential.