• Hon. General Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, Republic of Uganda And Chairperson of Iscos;

• Hon. James W. Machara, Egh, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Republic of Kenya;

• Hon. Fredy Atupele Mwakibete, Minister of Works and Transport, United Republic of Tanzania;

• Hon. Mateus Magala – Minister of Transport and Communications, Republic of Mozambique;

• Hon. Okende Senga Cherubin, Minister of Transport, Means of Communication and Opening Up, Democratic Republic of Congo;

• Hon. Bianfri Tarmidi, Minister of Transportation, Post, Telecommunications, Communication and Tourism, Union of Comoros;

• Hon. Jacob Hara Hlangabeza, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Malawi;

• Hon. Yel Maduf Biar, Minister of Transport, South Sudan;

• Hon. F.T Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Zimbabwe;

• Hon. Anthony Derjecques, Minister of Transport, Republic of Seychelles;

• Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, Minister of Southern Province;

• Your Excellencies the Ambassadors and High Commissioners Present;

• Permanent Secretaries and Executive Directors from Ministries Present;

• Special recognition to the Secretary General for the Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping – Mr. Daniel M. Kiange;

• Directors and Senior Government Officials Present;

• Chief Executive Officers from various Institutions and Agencies Present;

• Captains of the Industry from both Public and Private Sectors Present;

• Representatives of the various Corporate Organizations;

• Distinguished Delegates;

• Members of the Press;

• Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good Morning to you all;

I am honoured and privileged to welcome you all on this Auspicious occasion of the 8th Assembly of Ministers for The Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) here in Livingstone, Zambia. You are indeed all welcome to our tourist capital and I invite each one of you, most especially our visitors, to find time from the busy meeting schedule to experience the numerous historical, cultural and natural heritage sites the city has to offer.

I would like to Convey Greetings from the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who wishes us fruitful deliberations during today’s Assembly of Ministers. The President has always emphasized on the need for enhanced regional collaboration and Partnerships as a means to unlocking trade opportunities not only for Zambia, but the region and the continent at large, which is in line with the theme for this meeting, “Enhancing Collaboration, Building Synergies for the Transformation and Growth of Africa’s Shipping and Maritime Section.”

I wish to also extend my profound gratitude to Mr. Daniel Kiange, the Secretary General of the Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping and the entire ISCOS Secretariat for your tireless efforts in running the day-to-day activities Of the Organization and your continued efforts to foster the spirit of “Togetherness” that our founding forefathers aspired to, when they formed ISCOS. However, it is very critical that the organisation reforms itself in order to address our modern-day challenges.

I would also Want to thank my team from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics here in Zambia, for assisting the ISCOS Secretariat in facilitating the Organization of this meeting which has made it possible for us to meet in this manner.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Maritime is an essential component of global trade, and Africa has vast natural resources that are in high demand all over the World. However, despite its vast coastline and abundant resources our continent has, the Maritime Industry in Africa has been faced with many challenges over the years. These include among others:

1. High maritime costs especially for Land-Linked Countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi;

2. Inadequate coordination and collaboration;

3. Low levels of skilled personnel in maritime; and

4. Lack of high levels of ownership of Sea Vessels by Africans.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

There is, therefore, need to formulate policies and strategies to address these challenges. This is where the Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping comes in. ISCOS was established in order for Member States to have an institution that will carry out various specialized International and Regional functions on their behalf, promote their Collective aspirations and protect their interests in the Sector.

In addition to these Objectives, the Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping is also tasked with promoting regional integration and cooperation among Member Countries. The benefits which accrue to the region from the operations of ISCOS can be enhanced through greater collaboration and enhanced Membership. At the 6th Assembly of Ministers held in Mwanza, Tanzania, a directive was given to ISCOS Secretariat to grow the Organization and expand its scope and mandate. From the 6th Assembly to date, a new member joined our Organization.

Allow me, therefore, at this point, to welcome our brothers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is through increased numbers in terms of Membership, that we will be able to address our common challenges when it comes to Maritime and take advantage of such common opportunities. Indeed, together, as the ISCOS Family, we shall be able to achieve our objectives and grow trade amongst ourselves as Members within our continent and beyond.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

While this Organization is important, the benefits can only accrue to us all When we work with unity of purpose and engage in collective negotiations. This will assist us to put our resources together for Regional Maritime Initiatives. Furthermore, as a region and continent at large, there is need for greater collaboration in the harmonization of maritime policies to transform this sector.

Without enhanced collaboration and coordination to build a strong and sustainable Maritime Industry, we will continue to struggle to fully realize the economic potential of our natural resources. However, I have a firm belief that by working and pooling our resources together, we shall be able to build a thriving Maritime Industry that will benefit everyone on our continent.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Africa needs to develop deliberate policies to capacitate its people with the requisite skills to manage and operate in the Maritime Sector. The Capacity Building Programme we should create, should be for both Land-Linked Countries and Countries with Sea Coasts.

We also need to build systems that will be able to finance Sea Vessels and other equipment in order to empower our people to own Sea Vessels.

My statement would be incomplete if I failed to mention here that growing the African Maritime Industry will require the collective efforts Of Governments as well as industry experts and stakeholders. I, therefore, urge all our Private Sector Players and Cooperating Partners, to support and participate in the work of the Inter-Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Climate change undeniably, does have a negative effect on all forms of transport particularly water transport. Extreme weather conditions not only affect navigation conditions, but also affects the carrying capacities of vessels which in turn, affects the cost of transporting cargo. Therefore, as a continent, we need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact on various sectors of the economy including the maritime sector.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

As I conclude, it is my hope that the deliberations of this High-Level Meeting will yield tangible solutions that will benefit us all going forward. I wish you all successful deliberations.

It is now my honour and privilege to declare this meeting officially open.

I thank you all for your attention.