GHANA: After announcing a strategic reset in January, the Ghana Maritime Authority has shown commitment to its new National Seafarer Development and Promotion Policy (NSDPP) during the first quarter of 2026 to pursue international partnerships, policy reform and targeted youth outreach to capitalise on a mounting global shortage of maritime labour.

The international convention governing liability and compensation for damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) carried by sea is edging towards entry into force after a milestone reached at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London this month means the world's shipping nations may finally be on a fixed timeline to implementing one of the most significant gaps in the global maritime compensation framework.

NAMIBIA: Canadian oil and gas company Sintana Energy has announced its intention to list on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX), a move that would accelerate direct investment opportunities in Namibia's offshore energy resources for ordinary Namibians.

GHANA: The French Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft in Ghana has marked a significant operational milestone for fisheries governance in West Africa and broader efforts to secure the Gulf of Guinea, underscoring the growing importance of coordinated, technology-driven approaches to fisheries governance in the FCWC region.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO: TotalEnergies EP Congo (63.5%, operator) has confirmed that the drilling drilling of the MHNM-6 NFW exploration well has resulted in a a hydrocarbon discovery on the Moho license.

NAMIBIA: BP has agreed to acquire a 60% interest in three offshore exploration blocks in Namibia from Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas as part of bp’s strategy to grow its upstream portfolio.

SOUTH AFRICA: Nine suspects have been arrested for allegedly attempting to illegally harvest marine resources within the Robben Island Marine Protected Area in two separate incidents during the last week.

SOUTH AFRICA: Transnet National Ports Authority is seeking approval to reclaim 22.4 hectares of land within the Port of Durban between the existing Point multi-purpose terminal quay wall and a proposed new Point Container Terminal quay wall.