By Grace Waithaka

Principal Secretary for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices as he officially opened the Africa Region Green Shipping Conference in Mombasa. Speaking on behalf of Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, PS Kaituko emphasized the urgency of implementing the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy and advancing the green transition in Africa’s shipping sector.

Kaituko stated that “As the host country, we express our deepest gratitude to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Kingdom of Denmark for their invaluable support in organizing this crucial conference,” “Bringing together delegates from 35 African nations, this platform will foster collaboration and drive Africa’s shipping industry toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.”

This conference is a landmark event in Africa’s maritime sector, features keynote addresses from industry leaders, including HE Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, Rikke Wetter Olufsen, Deputy Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, and Dr. Devotha Mandanda, President of Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA). Their discussions will focus on policy frameworks, technological innovations, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry.

Maritime transport plays a crucial role in Africa’s economy, PS Kaituko highlighted the importance of integrating green technologies to align the continent with global decarbonization efforts. He called for stronger partnerships between governments, industry players, and international organizations to accelerate Africa’s transition to eco-friendly shipping solutions.

The Africa Region Green Shipping Conference continues in Mombasa, serving as a platform for key stakeholders to strategize on sustainable maritime practices and shape the future of Africa’s shipping industry.