Moving Africa’s maritime agenda forward

New conference seeks continental roadmap

SOUTH AFRICA: Recognising the need to align policy, infrastructure, skills and investment, the Maritime Business Chamber (MBC) is introducing a new conference and exhibition that aims to create a platform for integrating discussions for a continental maritime roadmap.

“It is worth noting that the maritime industry has a broader value chain with a footprint that is beyond the South African borders,” says Unathi Sonti, Executive Chairperson of the MBC. “A continental lens enables corridor-level problem-solving, aggregated demand for infrastructure, shared skills pipelines, and aligned policies that unlock AfCFTA’s full logistics and trade potential,” he added.

Having extended the MBC’s mandate to extend beyond the borders of South Africa, Sonti sees the Maritime Forward Africa Conference (MFAC) scheduled for early November as a pan-African discussion that will foster regional cooperation.

Acknowledging the volume of events already on the maritime calendar, Sonti says that they are committed to driving an outcomes-based event that looks at policy that leads to projects and investment on the continent. “There will be a closing conference declaration to track delivery post-event,” he says, adding that a follow-up mechanism is being developed to report progress to stakeholders.

“The first edition of MFAC will set the tone for collaboration, alignment and partnership with various government, associations and academia for sustainable growth and the advancement of the maritime industry,” he says.

Topics identified for the agenda include:

■ Offshore Oil & Gas
■ Marine Manufacturing (design & repairs)
■ Maritime Transport, Shipping & Logistics
■ Marine Protection & Governance
■ Fisheries & Aquaculture
■ Ports & Harbours

The conference will also focus on cross-cutting enablers such as technology and digitalisation; finance and investment; policy harmonisation; skills and capacity development as well as the inclusion of women and youth.

“We are actively sending invitations to relevant speakers in public and private sectors. Speakers from various government organisations, entities, academia and associations have already confirmed participation,” says Sonti, who welcomes input from the broader maritime base.

A technology exhibition zone will integrate digital and green innovations; exhibition booths, and live demos with the conference programme to connect buyers, innovators and policymakers.