DR O. DICKSON
Africa’s ports and subsea infrastructure are facing an emerging criminal threat that heightens the region’s vulnerabilities and challenges its economic and security frameworks. Historically, maritime piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking have been the primary activities undermining the continent’s maritime stability and prosperity. However, in the last decade, new maritime cyber threats with significant implications for national and regional security have emerged. The presentation will explore the current maritime cyber threat landscape in Africa, consider best practices for maritime cybersecurity, and outline strategies African states can use to build a more secure maritime future.
MRS E. DE CONING (ONLINE)
Fisheries crime is categorised as a wicked problem. To effectively address fisheries crime, government agencies need to cooperate closely. To achieve this, agencies should, at a minimum, share sound situational awareness and communication channels. In response, Blue Justice has developed the Blue Justice Community, a secure digital platform for communication and collaboration between government agencies within and beyond national jurisdictions. In 2024, Blue Justice launched a new vessel tracking and analysis tool in the Blue Justice Community using satellite data to detect and analyse vessel movement patterns. The tool is available free of charge for government agencies in member countries of the Copenhagen Declaration (including South Africa). This presentation will explore both the opportunities and the limitations in vessel tracking using satellite ocean surveillance data to address transnational organised fisheries crime. Using case examples from the Indian Ocean region, the presentation will focus on emerging technologies and corresponding law and policy considerations.Â
CAPT(N) G.A. GEBRU
Maritime security is an essential component of international trade and economic stability, but its significance extends beyond coastal countries to landlocked nations. Despite not having direct access to the sea, developing landlocked countries in Africa like Ethiopia, Zambia, and Mali rely significantly on their coastal neighbours for trade and economic activities. For maritime routes to remain stable and continue to grow economically, they must be secure. This paper explores the particular challenges and chances developing landlocked states in Africa confront in the realm of maritime security. These nations are deeply intertwined with maritime activities through regional trade networks, dependency on coastal neighbours for port access, and the impacts of maritime crime on their economies. The study examines the strategic importance of maritime security for landlocked states, highlighting how issues such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing affect their economic and national security. Furthermore, it discusses the collaborative efforts required between landlocked and coastal states to enhance maritime security, emphasizing the role of regional organizations and international partnerships. By addressing these dynamics, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how African developing landlocked states can contribute to and benefit from robust maritime security frameworks. Maritime insecurity such as piracy not only poses significant challenges but also can exacerbate land-based conflicts and instability. Insecure maritime routes can disrupt local economies, increase unemployment, and heighten competition for diminishing resources [1]. This interconnectedness between maritime and terrestrial security highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges. In conclusion, maritime security is vital for the economic and social well-being of African developing landlocked states. Ensuring secure maritime routes through regional cooperation and international partnerships can significantly contribute to their development and stability. Addressing maritime security challenges requires a holistic approach that considers both maritime and terrestrial dimensions, ultimately fostering a safer and more prosperous Africa.