MOESNA Hosts High-Level Workshop in Nairobi on Regional Shipping Line and Maritime Cabotage Protocol
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 17- Kenya today hosted a high-level regional workshop in its capital, Nairobi, bringing together maritime stakeholders to critically review the feasibility of establishing a dedicated Regional Shipping Line and to advance the development of a unified Regional Maritime Cabotage Protocol for the Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa regions.
The significant meeting marks a crucial step toward enhancing maritime transport efficiency, fostering intra-African trade, and unlocking the vast economic potential of the continent’s blue economy through greater regional integration.
Principal Secretary State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Millah while speaking during the opening ceremony emphasized the need for stronger regional collaboration to increase Africa’s control over its maritime trade.
‎The PS noted that although Africa’s seaborne trade is growing rapidly, most cargo is still transported by foreign shipping lines leaving the continent vulnerable to external control.‎
“As regional states, we need to work together in the shipping and maritime sector because we share a lot maritime passage for international trade, international service providers, and regional ports serving multiple countries,” said PS Millah.
“We are calling for a protocol that regional states can ratify and own, so that indigenous vessels feel at home and operate without restrictions. This will promote inter-regional trade and inspire investment in vessels.”
He further noted that the establishment of a regional shipping line would give the continent greater control over cargo movement, boost indigenous maritime services, and enhance intra-regional trade.
‎Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA) Secretary General Mr. Kassim K. Mpaata, in his opening remarks, said that African continent stands at a historic moment as it seeks to reduce dependence on foreign carriers and improve maritime connectivity between African states.
Mr. MPaata noted that despite Africa handling 80–90 per cent of its international trade via sea, the region still has minimal participation in transporting its own cargo. ‎
“We are gathered here at a critical juncture to examine the feasibility of establishing a Regional Shipping Line and to review the draft Regional Maritime Cabotage Protocol, These are not academic exercises, they are the twin pillars needed to build a more resilient and economically integrated maritime transport system,” said MOESNA Secretary General Mpaata.
The proposed regional shipping line and cabotage framework aim to boost intra-regional trade, support indigenous maritime services, enhance connectivity, and strengthen Africa’s blue economy in line with the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy.‎‎
Additionally, PS Aden Millah noted that the establishment of a regional shipping line would give the continent greater control over cargo movement, boost indigenous maritime services, and enhance intra-regional trade.
‎He further pointed out that Africa’s vast untapped resources position it as the next global growth frontier, making the creation of shared maritime frameworks both timely and necessary.
‎‎In his Closing remarks he rallied support for Kenya’s bid for re-election to the IMO Council (Category C) for the 2026–2027 term, underscoring the country’s commitment to championing Africa’s maritime interests globally.‎‎
“I encourage you to engage boldly and build partnerships that will shape a more self-reliant and prosperous maritime future for Africa”.‎
The stakeholders’ workshop marks an important step in aligning regional priorities ahead of establishing a unified maritime framework under MOESNA.
Participants are expected to provide inputs that will refine the feasibility study and the draft cabotage protocol before they are submitted for regional adoption.
The outcomes are anticipated to empower African nations to strengthen maritime capacity, boost intra-African trade and reduce operational dependence on external shipping operators.
