Kenya has called on African countries to strengthen maritime logistics and shipping networks to reduce the time it takes to move goods across the continent and unlock greater opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said improving maritime transport is key to lowering the cost of doing business and accelerating economic integration across Africa.
Kinyanjui noted that moving a single container between African countries currently takes between 45 and 60 days, a challenge he said continues to slow intra-African trade and increase the cost of doing business.
He emphasized that oceans of Africa must be seen as not just natural resources but also trade routes that can aid in economic development when complemented with effective shipping and logistics.
The cabinet secretary noted that better maritime logistics would be helpful in ensuring better cargo flow in Africa while also meeting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
At the conference, Kenya also highlighted the importance of the Port of Mombasa and the Port of Lamu as key gateways for trade in the region.
The government added that they are making efforts towards maritime capacity building and promoting maritime industries like hospitality and cruise tourism in the blue economy.
Kinyanjui further stated that Kenya will continue to partner with various industry stakeholders in order to boost the maritime industry and develop the skilled manpower required for the same.
