Nairobi: Blue economy stakeholders have been urged to strengthen collaboration with the government to unlock the full potential of the maritime sector, expand maritime education, and create meaningful opportunities for young people to drive socio-economic development.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) East Africa Branch networking conference in Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana emphasized the necessity of closer partnerships between the public and private sectors to build a resilient, competitive, and future-ready maritime industry. Dr. Katana highlighted the challenges faced by the global maritime sector, including supply chain disruptions, rapid technological advancements, climate change, geopolitical uncertainties, evolving trade patterns, cybersecurity threats, growing consumer demand, and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
Dr. Katana stated that resilience in the maritime industry involves more than just surviving periods of uncertainty. It requires developing knowledge, skills, networks, ethical values, and innovative mindsets to anticipate change, adapt quickly, and lead confidently. He reiterated the importance of building individuals and institutions capable of remaining effective regardless of changing circumstances.
The maritime sector is a critical driver of global commerce, with over 80 percent of international trade transported by sea. Dr. Katana noted that East Africa’s maritime economy presents significant growth opportunities, citing the expansion of regional ports, improvements in transport corridors, deeper regional integration, growing blue economy initiatives, and increased investment in logistics infrastructure.
These developments create a strong demand for highly skilled professionals to manage sophisticated shipping, logistics, maritime insurance, port operations, freight forwarding, chartering, and supply chain systems. Dr. Katana encouraged students pursuing maritime careers, describing the industry as dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and globally connected. However, he stressed that academic qualifications alone are insufficient for success.
ICS East Africa Branch Chairman Elijah Mbaru highlighted the conference’s role in bringing together industry stakeholders and students to explore opportunities within the expanding maritime sector. He noted the symbiotic relationship between industry sectors and emphasized the need for technology adoption to remain globally competitive.
ICS International Chairman Krishnan Subramaniam remarked on the immense opportunities in the maritime sector, noting the interconnected nature of the global shipping industry. He encouraged stakeholders to embrace these opportunities and work together to advance the industry’s growth and development.
