The African Union is being urged to transition from ambition to action on maritime issues as the Decade of African Seas and Oceans comes to a close. The continent’s leaders are being called upon to commit to a clear strategy that addresses current and emerging maritime security threats.
In recent years, momentum around maritime issues in Africa has been inconsistent. The African Union’s Integrated Maritime Strategy, adopted in 2014, was hailed as a model for regional cooperation by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. However, the strategy is now in need of review and adaptation to address new threats and improve coordination of continental maritime policymaking.
The African Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa, also known as the Lomé Charter, was adopted in 2016 but has seen slow progress, with only three ratifications to date. Meanwhile, the revised African Maritime Transport Charter, adopted in 2010, finally entered into force in 2025 after 15 ratifications were reached.
To address these challenges, three key initiatives are being proposed. Firstly, an African maritime security expert group should be established to enhance knowledge and coordination among member states. This group would provide a platform for technical expertise, facilitate interdepartmental coordination, and support member states in developing their maritime security capabilities.
Secondly, the African Union Commission should conduct a maritime command-post exercise to test command and control functions through simulations of piracy, illegal fishing, or other emergency scenarios. This exercise would help to identify areas for improvement and inform the development of more effective maritime security strategies.
Thirdly, a forum for Chiefs of African Navies and/or Coastguards should be established to provide a permanent platform for coordination among senior officials. This committee would facilitate information and resource sharing, build trust, and provide a mechanism for recommending priority reforms based on insights from African naval and coastguard perspectives.
These initiatives are crucial to addressing the maritime security challenges facing the African continent. By establishing a maritime security expert group, conducting a command-post exercise, and creating a forum for naval and coastguard leaders, the African Union can take a significant step towards improving maritime security and promoting regional cooperation. The success of these initiatives will depend on the commitment of member states and the ability of the African Union to overcome chronic underfunding and institutional challenges.
