The Maritime Organization for Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa (MOESNA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have agreed to collaborate in promoting the maritime interests of SADC member states and the African continent, thereby strengthening regional cooperation in shipping and the blue economy.

The partnership follows SADC's recognition of MOESNA as a specialized regional maritime agency driving shipping, maritime safety, trade facilitation, and blue economy initiatives across Africa.

MOESNA Secretary-General Kassim Mpaata said the collaboration would help build an integrated and competitive regional maritime transport system.

"SADC has recognised the important work MOESNA is undertaking in advancing maritime development across the region. By working together, we will promote the maritime interests of SADC member states and Africa through stronger policy coordination, enhanced regional shipping connectivity, and sustainable blue economy initiatives," Mr Mpaata said.

He said discussions are focusing on implementing the SADC Maritime Transport Strategy, improving maritime safety and security, strengthening regional shipping services, expanding blue economy programmes, building maritime capacity, and enhancing connectivity between ports in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The cooperation builds on MOESNA's existing partnership with COMESA, which has produced feasibility studies for establishing a Regional Shipping Line and a Regional Maritime Cabotage Protocol.

The initiatives aim to reduce Africa's dependence on foreign shipping lines, lower transport costs, boost intra-African trade, and expand opportunities for African-owned vessels.

MOESNA and SADC will also collaborate on harmonizing maritime policies, improving logistics corridors, promoting port digitalisation, protecting the marine environment, and developing climate-resilient maritime transport systems.

Mr Mpaata said stronger cooperation among regional organisations would enable member states to coordinate investments in ports and transport infrastructure while creating seamless multimodal corridors linking ports with rail and road networks.

"The future of African trade depends on efficient, integrated, and competitive maritime transport systems. Through these partnerships, we are laying the foundation for stronger regional shipping services and sustainable blue economy growth that will support the African Continental Free Trade Area and Agenda 2063," he said.

The partnership is expected to strengthen regional maritime cooperation, remove trade barriers, and enhance Africa's competitiveness in global shipping.