Africa Should Tap its Maritime Resources: IMO
The huge potential of the oceans and the maritime industry to assist in the development of the African continent has already been noted, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Koji Shemizu, has said.
African should emulate Japan in exploiting their vast maritime resources to bolster their economic progress, he said.
Strong industrial policy, firmly and formally adopted by the Government, is a crucial element for any industry in any nation and even more so for the maritime industry. Maritime development, under a formal national maritime transportation policy, will lead Africa towards prosperity.
Sekimizu was speaking in Nairobi last in Kenya's first National Maritime Conference. He said much needed to be done to develop the continent's maritime industry, or "blue economy".
The IMO head wants to see Africa's nations develop concrete maritime policies to marshal support from both the public and private sectors and guide its development.
The seas and oceans have always been central to mankind’s well-being and development. But in the past, the importance of embracing all the many different ways in which we can gain advantage from our relationship with the seas, oceans and maritime transportation have not been properly recognized, he said.
IMO will work closely with the United Nations’ Development Programme (UNDP) and provide assistance to African countries to establish their own maritime transport policies. IMO will continue to provide opportunities for African countries to educate future maritime leaders at the World Maritime University and International Maritime Law Institute.