Time to create a maritime development fund

During the 3rd Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations, Gillard Ngewe, the Director General of Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority in Tanzania, highlighted the urgent need for Africa to create an African maritime development fund. Ngewe emphasized the importance of addressing challenges associated with maritime development and ensuring that Africa's resources are utilized for the benefit of Africans. He expressed concerns about the exploitation of Africa's maritime resources by foreigners due to the lack of equipment and surveillance capabilities within African countries. Ngewe proposed the establishment of a fund dedicated to financing feasible proposals aimed at enhancing Africa's maritime domain. He drew a parallel to the African Development Fund and called for a collaborative effort similar to the establishment of the African Development Bank to support the development of the maritime sector. By pooling resources regionally and nationally, Ngewe believes that African countries can secure their maritime resources and protect their interests. Ngewe stressed the importance of training personnel and acquiring necessary equipment to ensure the safety and security of lives and property on the continent. He pointed out that the lack of financial resources is a major challenge hindering the development of the maritime sector in Africa. Ngewe highlighted Tanzania's struggles with foreign vessels exploiting the country's resources and the overreliance on foreign ships for cargo transportation. He emphasized the need for increased investment in training and equipping personnel to operate vessels safely. Ngewe called for a shift towards using African vessels for import and export activities to enhance security and safety in the region. When asked about the lack of attention towards maritime development by governments across Africa, Ngewe attributed it to financial constraints and the need for collaboration among African countries. He emphasized the importance of regional and continental cooperation to drive progress in the maritime sector. Ngewe expressed hope that the ongoing discussions and the agenda 2063 would lead to increased collaboration and development within the maritime industry. In conclusion, Ngewe highlighted the need for resolutions that promote collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable projects to protect Africa's maritime resources.