Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has taken a bold step toward becoming a regional maritime powerhouse after signing a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Liberia today, February 14, 2026, aimed at deepening cooperation in ship registration, seafarer training, and maritime governance.
The landmark agreement, inked at a ceremony attended by top Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) officials and maritime experts from both countries, is being hailed as a game-changer for Africa’s blue economy.
Speaking at the event, Mohamed Malick Salum, TASAC Director General of the 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 4percent 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.
