Building on the conversation of investing and unlocking the maritime potential in promoting trade in the region, Col. Andre Ciseau – Secretary General, Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) accompanied by Mr. James Kitavi – Chief Executive Officer, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI – Mombasa), paid a courtesy call to the office of the Chairman, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Mr. Hamisi Mwaguya on 7 February 2023, to deliberate on areas of partnership in the maritime and blue economy sector.
In the discussions, which was also attended by the Acting Director General of KMA, Mr. John Omingo, the four principals touched on various issues affecting Maritime Trade in the region and ways in which institutions can collaborate to create a platform where key stakeholders will be identified to drive the process on Maritime Cabotage.
The KMA Chairman, appointed in November 2022, was also briefed of the partnership between PMAESA and KNCCI in hosting a regional forum on “Africa Maritime Cabotage and Blue Economy Conference (AMCBEC) 2023”, which will be the flagship event to consolidate discussions on maritime cabotage.
The AMCBEC will also look at ways to actualize the cabotage concept. The forum aims to develop Africa’s capacity in transporting its own cargo, increasing trade across the border under the AfCFTA Agreement as well as share on the success stories from various key players.
Mr. Mwaguya expressed support for the joint initiative and looked to champion the the cabotage discussion in the planned forum. He further stated that the conversation has come at the right time as Kenya is keen in unlocking the maritime potential in the region as well as reviving the Kenya National Shipping Line.
Story: Ruth Muigai with additional input from Hilda Gichunge. Photos: PMAESA
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