At the forthcoming inaugural African Cabotage Conference expected to hold in Mombasa, Kenya in November, a total of 28 countries have confirmed interest in participation in the event. The conference is envisaged to transform the landscape of Maritime in Kenya and across the continent.
During the media launch of the conference at the Kenya Maritimes Authority Towers, Principal Secretary, State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kainuka said that the African Maritime Cabotage is a concept aimed at promoting and regulating the use of domestic shipping and maritime resources within African countries.
He said, “One of the primary objectives of African Maritime Cabotage is to promote economic growth and job creation within Africa, encouraging the use of domestic shipping and maritime services can stimulate local industries and create employment opportunities for the youth.”
The government is coordinating the conference in collaboration with the Mombasa County Government, the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS), and The Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Region (PMAESA), among other organizations.
According to the PS, the tactic can also aid in lowering reliance on foreign shipping companies, which will enhance the trade balance.
With the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, countries in Africa will be able to trade freely without the need for fictitious boundaries. The term “cabotage” refers to the movement of commodities or people between two sites within two countries’ borders.
According to the PS, Africa boasts a wide coastline spanning 38,000 kilometers, an abundance of natural resources, and a fast-expanding populace. He claimed that this potential has, nevertheless, been underused for a long time.
“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 continued by saying that improving the security of African waters will also be greatly aided by the cabotage industry in Africa. He said nations can more effectively combat illicit activities like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing by regulating and overseeing maritime operations.
He claimed that in addition to endangering national security, these actions impede economic expansion. “By implementing effective cabotage regulations, African nations can ensure that their maritime boundaries are secure and well-patrolled,” the PS said.
He reaffirmed that using domestic ships for regional trade can result in more eco-friendly and efficient transportation, which will help to preserve the fragile maritime habitats that border Africa in addition to lowering carbon emissions.
He did, however, express concern that there will be a number of difficulties, such as the requirement for large investments in technology, shipbuilding, infrastructure, and training. Furthermore, it will necessitate clear and effective regulatory structures to guarantee that cabotage laws are followed and applied uniformly.
“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.