The workshop held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, aimed to set a clear path toward faster, more efficient, and lower-cost maritime trade across the Eastern and Southern Africa region.

The implementation of electronic data exchange systems and Maritime Single Window (MSW) platforms plays a crucial role in streamlining processes, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing port operational efficiency. Despite the progress made under the FAL Convention, challenges persist in the widespread adoption and effective utilization of these tools, including gaps in understanding the processes and lack of technical capacity.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) was represented by Captain Pretty Mbakaza, Head of SAMSA’s Sea Watch and Response Unit CSWR (MRCC).

South Africa is proud to have been part of this progressive workshop that further highlighted how coordinated regional action is key to unlocking the full benefits of digital maritime systems.

In addition to the workshop, Captain Mbakaza also paid a courtesy visit to the MRCC in Dar es Salaam, as one of South Africa’s counterpart on Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime domain awareness matters in the Indian Ocean region.