Tanzania has taken a bold step toward becoming a regional maritime powerhouse after signing a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Liberia today, aimed at deepening cooperation in ship registration, seafarer training, and maritime governance.
The landmark agreement, inked at a ceremony attended by top TASAC officials, and maritime experts from both countries, is being hailed as a game-changer for Africa’s blue economy.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mohamed Malick Salum, Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), described the MOU as more than a symbolic gesture.
“This is a structured framework for practical cooperation in maritime governance, capacity building, and forward-looking regulation,” he said.
He added “Liberia’s expertise as a global leader in ship registration and compliance oversight provides Tanzania with a unique opportunity to strengthen its own international ship registry and maritime workforce.”
Liberia, which recently overtook Panama in ship registration tonnage, brings decades of experience in global shipping, technical oversight, and participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Through the MOU, Tanzanian officials and seafarers will benefit from exchange programs, technical training, and professional certification opportunities, enabling them to operate on ships registered under Liberia’s flag.
On behalf of Commissioner Zaza Lai, Wilmot Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, described the agreement as a historic milestone.
“This MOU lays the foundation for a legacy that future generations of our two countries will cherish,” he said. “It also addresses a critical gap: Africa currently supplies only 4% of the global 1.9 million seafarers, despite its vast coastline. Together, we can train, certify, and empower a new generation of African maritime professionals.”
The partnership also opens doors for Tanzania to leverage Liberia’s long-standing engagement with the IMO. Although Tanzania is not yet a council member, the collaboration allows it to participate in agenda submissions and policy discussions at the international level.
Tanzania’s Maritime Sector on the Rise
The signing comes at a time when Tanzania’s maritime sector is rapidly expanding. Dar es Salaam Port, once handling 17 million tons annually, now processes about 31 million tons.
The country has invested heavily in seafarer training through institutions such as the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute, which attracts students from Kenya, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, and Uganda.
Tanzania has also strengthened maritime safety and security, launching the Mwanza Search and Rescue Center on Lake Victoria and deploying multiple rescue boats along its coast.
Plans are underway to align the sector’s five-year strategic plan with the national Vision 2050 agenda, positioning the country for long-term growth in trade and the blue economy.
A Model for Africa
Both Tanzanian and Liberian officials emphasized that the MOU sends a strong message to the continent: African countries can achieve greater prosperity by pooling resources, sharing expertise, and collaborating on governance, research, and innovation.
“This MOU is proof that working together is the surest path forward for Africa,” Mr. Salum said. “It lays the foundation for shared prosperity, professional growth, and a thriving maritime sector across the continent.”
The agreement reflects the growing recognition that Africa’s vast coastline and maritime potential can be transformed into a strategic advantage, driving economic development, job creation, and regional integration.