By Abbas Nazil
The African Union’s long-anticipated Revised African Maritime Transport Charter is set to officially come into force this August, marking a historic milestone after 15 years of slow progress.
Uganda recently became the 15th AU member to ratify the Charter, fulfilling the threshold needed to activate the agreement.
This development arrives amid unprecedented disruption in global shipping, which has particularly affected African economies dependent on international sea trade routes, such as those involving the Suez Canal.
The Red Sea crisis has delayed cargo movement, worsened port congestion in East and Southern Africa, and highlighted the urgency for a harmonized maritime transport policy.
The revised Charter, adopted in 2010, provides a unified legal and strategic framework to guide maritime transport development across the continent.
With nearly 90% of Africa’s international trade moved by sea, the Charter aims to create an integrated maritime network by harmonizing policies, ensuring port access for landlocked states, and promoting sustainable development practices in shipping.
According to Dr. Raissa Julie Ada Allogo, Senior Policy Officer in the African Union Commission’s Infrastructure and Energy Department, the Charter signifies a shift from fragmented national systems to a coordinated continental maritime strategy.
She emphasized that the agreement provides equitable access to ports, standardized transit rights for landlocked nations, and aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing regional connectivity.
Countries like Uganda, without direct coastlines, stand to benefit greatly.
Their ratification enables smoother port access and improved multimodal transport networks, which will aid in regional trade and economic growth.
Another major component of the Charter is the promotion of national and regional shipping lines.
Countries including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Djibouti have already established national carriers, and the Charter encourages broader cooperation among member states regardless of economic disparities.
The AU also plans to establish a continental coordination body to oversee maritime policy integration.
The Charter acknowledges the heavy infrastructure and financial investments required for port modernization.
To address this, it encourages member states to mobilize internal and external funding and establishes AU-backed cooperation mechanisms to support financing efforts.
Human resource development is another priority outlined in the Charter.
It proposes the creation of regional maritime universities and internationally compliant training institutions to equip African seafarers with the skills and certifications needed for global opportunities.
Sea-time experience, often limited by the shortage of African-owned vessels, is to be addressed through international partnerships and the expansion of national fleets.
Additionally, the AU aims to harmonize certifications, promote professional mobility, and encourage the participation of women and youth in the sector.
These initiatives are designed to position Africa as a competitive maritime force in the global shipping industry.
