Promoting Information Sharing Among Ports and RMIFC in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean
The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), based in Seychelles, in collaboration with the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), successfully conducted the RECOPORT-ESA 25 joint exercise last week. This was the first exercise of its kind in the Western Indian Ocean, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime security cooperation.
From January 27 to 31, 2025, representatives from port authorities and port facility security officers (PFSO) from Eastern and Southern Africa, and Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) region—RMIFC’s designated area of interest participated in a tabletop exercise (TTX). The simulation focused on various maritime security incidents, including stowaway cases, smuggling activities (such as drug trafficking), theft of goods or vessels within port areas, and the illegal trafficking of wildlife and natural resources.
The primary objective of the RECOPORT-ESA 25 was to enhance information-sharing mechanisms among PMAESA member states. This effort is crucial for strengthening regional maritime security, fostering inter-state cooperation, and reinforcing the broader regional maritime safety architecture known as “Safe Seas for Africa.”
The exercise was officially opened by Mr Valery RAMONJAVELO, Minister of Transports and Meteorology of Madagascar, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting regional maritime security and cooperation.
Throughout the exercise, participants actively tested their respective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aiming to improve coordination and streamline the flow of information between national and regional levels. The goal was to optimize real-time data exchange to bolster maritime security and safety measures.
The Indian Ocean Region Information Sharing (IORIS) platform, developed under the EU-funded CRIMARIO II project, played a central role as the primary communication tool. It facilitated seamless information exchange among stakeholders, further demonstrating the importance of structured and technology-driven maritime domain awareness (MDA).
The success of RECOPORT-ESA 25 reaffirmed the critical need for continuous collaboration and information sharing in maritime security operations. The exercise highlighted the importance of proactive engagement among regional actors to address emerging threats effectively.
Participating entities included the Union of Comoros (Port of Mutsamudu Anjouan), the Republic of Seychelles (Port of Victoria and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre – RCOC), Tanzania (Tanzania Ports Authority – TPA), Kenya (Kenya Ports Authority – KPA), Madagascar (Port of Toamasina, Port and River Agency, Madagascar’s Navy, and the Maritime Information Fusion Centre – CFIM), the Republic of Mauritius, and the Republic of Mozambique. The exercise was also supported by international organizations such as CRIMARIO, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and INTERPOL.
Additionally, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Port Security Project (PSP), as well as representatives from Somalia and South Africa, participated as observers, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in regional maritime initiatives.
At the conclusion of RECOPORT-ESA 25, RMIFC Director, Captain. Harifidy A. Alex RALAIARIVONY, extended his gratitude to all participants and observers. He also acknowledged the support of the EU-funded “Port Security” and “Safe Seas for Africa” initiatives, as well as the European Union delegations in Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros, for their ongoing commitment to strengthening maritime security in the region.
RECOPORT-ESA 25 served as a testament to the value of structured information-sharing frameworks in maritime security. By reinforcing collaboration among key regional and international stakeholders, the exercise underscored the need for sustained engagement and technological advancements in maritime domain awareness to ensure safer and more secure seas for all.
Author: RMIFC Liaison Officer for Comoros,
Lieutenant SAID Lavani
