DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA hosts the regional university-specialising in maritime transport, research and innovation, as African countries seek to strengthen shipping capacity and reduce barriers to trade across the continent.
The proposed institution will be among the key issues at the 10th General Meeting of the Ministers of Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA), scheduled for today at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, bringing together 26 ministers responsible for transport and logistics from member states.
According to Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile the government is ready to work with MOESNA and member states to ensure the university project is implemented for the benefit of the region.
Among many other things, the meeting will discuss strategies to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen cooperation in transport.
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Other key issues that will include expanding passenger and cargo shipping between African ports, improving the competitiveness of African maritime transport in international markets and promoting the establishment of African shipping companies capable of competing globally.
MOESNA Executive Secretary Kassim Mpaata said preparations for the university project have continued to receive support from several countries, including Tanzania and Botswana.
The meeting is also expected to bring together representatives of the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional economic communities.
Maritime transport is central to Africa’s international trade, with more than 90 per cent of the continent’s external trade carried by sea.