Africa on the move

Thanks to a series of measures to strengthen maritime security, develop infrastructure, promote regional cooperation, and foster innovation, Africa is gradually transforming from a passive transit zone into an active actor for global maritime stability. This transformation is based on the recognition of the strategic importance of maritime resources, trade routes, and the continent's role in the global economy. African countries are actively developing regional cooperation mechanisms to combat maritime threats. These threats primarily include piracy, armed robbery, and hybrid conflicts, which have intensified in recent years. These risks are particularly prevalent in the Gulf of Guinea, the Somali coast, and the Red Sea region. For example, the Yaoundé Code of Conduct (2013) unites 25 West and Central African countries in the fight against piracy, armed robbery, and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. Similar initiatives are being implemented in other regions, such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct in the Somali region. The African Union (AU) also plays a key role in this process. Africa's Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), as part of its Vision 2050, aims to develop the maritime economy, including fishing, oil and gas production, and transportation, and to strengthen maritime security. The strategy envisions the creation of a pan-African navy, the expansion of shipbuilding, and the training of skilled professionals. African countries are modernizing their ports and implementing digital technologies and automation to improve the efficiency and safety of maritime transport. Ports such as Durban (South Africa), Tangier Med (Morocco), and Mombasa (Kenya) are actively adopting modern technologies, including digitalization and smart navigation. Radar systems, satellite surveillance, and other technological solutions are being implemented to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA). This enables the rapid monitoring of maritime activities and a faster response to threats. African states are actively working to reduce threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and pollution. Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has increased again, with Nigerian criminal groups carrying out near-shore attacks and hijackings up to 100 nautical miles offshore. Hijackings of fishing vessels and long-range attacks by motherships have also increased off the coast of Somalia and in the western Indian Ocean. Particular attention is being paid to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which causes significant economic damage and threatens marine ecosystems. The continent is striving to harness its marine resources for sustainable economic growth. The “blue economy” encompasses fishing, marine energy production, tourism, and other sectors. African countries are investing in research and development of marine resources and are seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection. Green technology projects, such as the production of green ammonia and methanol using renewable energy, offer new opportunities for sustainable development in the maritime economy. African countries are participating in international organizations and initiatives in the field of maritime security. For example, 37 African states are members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). African countries also participate in the Indian Ocean Rim Forum (IORA), joint maritime operations, and exercises with other states and regional organizations.

Despite progress, Africa faces a number of challenges: - Lack of resources and expertise. Many countries lack the financial resources, technical capacity, and qualified personnel to ensure maritime security. - Coordination difficulties. Due to the large number of regional and sub-regional organizations operating in this area, there is a risk of duplication of effort. - Geopolitical factors. Africa's location in key shipping lanes (such as the Red Sea) affects the security of its maritime routes. However, with continued efforts to strengthen cooperation and develop infrastructure and technology, Africa has the potential to play a key role in ensuring global maritime stability. Africa's transformation from a passive transit region to an active guarantor of maritime stability therefore requires a comprehensive approach that includes regional cooperation, investment in technology, threat management and the development of a "blue economy".