South Africa should play a stronger role in regional maritime discussions that could shape shipping policy and opportunities for African operators, according to the Maritime Business Chamber (MBC).
In a statement following the 10th Assembly of Ministers of the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa, MBC Executive Chairperson Unathi Sonti expressed concern about the level of representation from South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.
The assembly, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on October 15, included discussions on regional cabotage and cooperation in international maritime representation, according to the chamber.
Sonti said the infrastructure, commercial interests and experience of South Africa, Egypt and Morocco make their participation important when regional policies and strategic maritime positions are being discussed.
“There is a difference between having maritime economic strength and using that strength to influence regional and international decisions. Participation is what helps turn economic significance into strategic influence.”
Regional cabotage was among the issues the chamber identified as an opportunity to increase African participation in shipping and maritime logistics.
While cabotage traditionally refers to the transport of goods or passengers between ports within one country, regional arrangements could allow participating African countries to develop shipping services across their markets under an agreed regulatory framework, Sonti said.
However, differences in shipping capacity, port infrastructure, regulation and commercial interests would need to be considered.
“A successful regional framework must therefore be informed by broad consultation, practical economic considerations and a shared understanding of the outcomes we want to achieve.”
Sonti said the discussion extends beyond shipping regulation to African participation in vessel ownership, logistics and the wider maritime value chain.
The chamber also called for closer cooperation between Africa’s regional maritime institutions, arguing that better coordination could help them advance shared interests in shipping, port development and trade facilitation.
“Not every organisation needs to perform the same functions and not every country needs to belong to every regional body. What matters is creating working relationships that allow institutions to complement one another rather than duplicate efforts,” Sonti said.
