Kenya and 18 other African nations are advancing a plan to establish a unified regional shipping line and a maritime cargo protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen Africa's control over its maritime trade, reduce reliance on foreign operators, and cushion economies from global supply chain disruptions.

• Approximately 90% of Africa’s international trade moves by sea.
• The Maritime Organisation for Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (MOESNA) is reviewing feasibility reports for the shipping line and cargo protocol.
• MOESNA Secretary-General Kassim Mpata highlighted the current weakness in regional maritime connectivity and lack of a framework for collaboration among indigenous shipping lines.
• Principal Secretary of State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Millah emphasized that reliance on foreign shipping lines has led to unpredictable pricing and constrained regional trade.