The 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium concluded with African navies signing a declaration of intent
After successfully hosting the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre which officially began on 15 October 2024, came to its conclusion on 17 October 2024 with the gala evening event.
Sea Power for Africa Symposium 24 held under the theme “Good Order at Sea in the African Maritime Domain” saw strategic discussions on Maritime Security: Seapower and maritime threats, Blue Justice: Extending the rule of law and human rights, Blue Economy: Defending and policing maritime economic interests and Oceans Health: Building policing and coast guard capacities.
Delivering his Sea Power for Africa Symposium24 closing speech, the Chief of SA Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese mentioned that African navies must chart a course towards a safe harbour that includes each African country. “We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. For this we will depend on our international allies gathered here with us for support. However, I must say the following to our international allies: “Please allow us as African countries to take the lead in 5 this process”. As African Navy Chiefs and senior representatives of our continental Navies, we have identified what needs to be done, and now we are ready to take the next step to ensure that the plans we developed here are”, said Vice Admiral Lobese.
On the evening of 17 October 2024, marking the end of a successful 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium 24 a declaration of intent was signed which formed the base of maritime cooperation of the African navies’ signatories comprising Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Togo.
The next Sea Power for Africa Symposium will be held in Nigeria in May 2026.
Article by Mr Lufuno Netshirembe – News Editor SA Soldier Magazine and Photos by Ms Akona Kenqu – Photographer SA Soldier Magazine || Defence Corporate Communication.
