Stakeholders Convene in Nairobi for Consultative Workshop on Regional Shipping Line and Maritime Cabotage Protocol

By James Nyaigoti,

Maritime leaders, government officials, regional organisations and development partners convened today at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for a high-level consultative workshop aimed at gathering input on two major draft reports set to shape the future of Africa’s maritime sector.

The Feasibility Study on the Establishment of Regional Shipping Line(s)

The Draft Regional Maritime Cabotage Protocol for the Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa (MOESNA) Region

The forum, hosted by the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA), brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on the draft proposals intended to strengthen the region’s shipping capacity, enhance connectivity, and reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines.

Maritime cabotage refers to rules that reserve the movement of cargo or passengers between local or regional ports for vessels belonging to that country or region.

In simple terms: Only local or regional ships are permitted to transport goods between local ports.

This policy aims to protect regional shipping companies, create jobs for seafarers, retain freight revenue within Africa, and build long-term maritime capacity.

“We Need to Work Together as a Region” — MOESNA Secretary-General

Addressing the forum, Mr. Kassim K. Mpaata, Secretary General of MOESNA, emphasized the importance of harmonized maritime policies and stronger regional collaboration.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr. Mpaata warned that inter-regional trade remains extremely low at just 16%  largely due to poor connectivity.

“We are now importing things from abroad that our neighbours produce because of lack of connectivity. Africa is a continent but also an island with many seaports. We must connect Africa through its waters,” he noted.

He also clarified that crew mobility under the proposed protocol will align with international shipping standards:

“Seafarers use maritime passbooks that allow mobility without strict visa requirements. Just as truck drivers move across borders without repeated stamping, this protocol ensures smooth movement of vessels and crew.”

On Africa’s participation in global maritime trade, Mr. Mpaata pointed out:

“Although 80–90% of global trade moves by sea, Africa contributes less than 10% to maritime trade. Yet nearly all goods in cities like Kampala or Nairobi arrive by sea. This underscores the need for Africa to participate more actively in transporting its own cargo.”

He further highlighted the need for financial institutions to support vessel acquisition:

“It is easy to get a loan to buy a car, but difficult to get one to buy a vessel. We are talking to banks to develop products that support investment in ships.”

Kenya Calls for Stronger Regional Collaboration

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Kenya, Eng. Aden A. Mullah, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional maritime growth.

“I bring warm greetings from the government and people of Kenya. We welcome you to Nairobi and to this historic forum where we present the draft report on establishing a regional shipping line and the draft maritime cabotage protocol for the East, South, and North African region.”

He stressed Africa’s growing significance in global trade:

“By 2024, global seaborne trade surpassed 12 billion tonnes. Africa, though contributing only about 7%, is growing rapidly at 8% annually higher than the global average. With vast resources, Africa is poised to become the next global growth frontier.”

However, he noted that the continent still relies almost entirely on foreign-owned shipping lines:

“Our dependence on multinational shipping lines leaves us vulnerable. This is why we must take greater control of how our cargo is transported.”

Eng. Mullah called for harmonized maritime policies and an integrated regional approach:

“Because we share common maritime gateways — the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Suez Canal and multiple regional ports — we must collaborate. A common framework will boost maritime connectivity, increase inter-regional trade, accelerate economic growth, and give us more control over the conditions of carriage of our cargo.”

He urged stakeholders not to be discouraged by past attempts at regional cooperation:

“Past failures should give us lessons, not discouragement. We pledge full support for MOESNA and all partners working toward a regional shipping line and a regional cabotage mechanism.”

The PS also requested support for Kenya’s candidature for re-election to the IMO Council, Category C, in the December 2025 elections:

“Advancing African interests at the IMO remains a priority. We appeal for your support as Kenya seeks re-election.”

Towards a Stronger 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.