Kenya and 18 other countries from Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa have intensified plans to establish a joint regional shipping line, in a move aimed at shielding their economies from global supply chain shocks and high commodity prices.
The states, meeting in Nairobi under the Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA), are reviewing draft feasibility studies on the proposed shipping line. They are also examining a regional maritime cargo protocol that seeks to strengthen Africa’s control over its own maritime trade.
MOESNA Secretary-General Kassim Mpata said the initiative is intended to seal a long-standing gap in the region’s maritime capacity. He noted that nearly 90 per cent of Africa’s international trade is transported by sea, yet the continent continues to suffer from weak intra-regional maritime connectivity.
“This joint shipping line will enhance our ability to manage maritime trade competitively and reduce dependency on foreign vessels,” Mpata said.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Aden Millah, emphasised that heavy reliance on foreign shipping lines has constrained regional trade and left African economies vulnerable to unpredictable freight pricing.
He said the proposed regional shipping line will not only stabilise shipping costs but also support the growth of local maritime sectors, enhance cargo efficiency, and improve overall trade competitiveness across the participating states.
The ongoing discussions in Nairobi mark a significant step toward establishing one of Africa’s most ambitious maritime cooperation initiatives, expected to reshape trade flows and boost economic resilience across the continent.
