The 9th Meeting of the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) Assembly of Ministers took place today in Nairobi, marking a significant event in the region’s maritime sector. The meeting witnessed Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Edward Wamala Katumba, officially handing over the chairmanship of ISCOS to Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Hon. Frank Museba Tayali.
Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary, Hon. Geoffrey Eyanae Kaituko, represented me at the meeting of ISCOS member states and delivered the speech on my behalf. This crucial gathering sets the stage for the upcoming 3rd Meeting of Ministers responsible for Shipping and Maritime Affairs from Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa, which we will host tomorrow in Nairobi under the auspices of ISCOS.
In his speech, Hon. Geoffrey Eyanae Kaituko emphasized our commitment to invigorating the shipping and maritime sector as a crucial avenue for accelerating economic growth. This sector plays a pivotal role in enhancing regional trade, ensuring efficient logistics, and supporting sustainable development.
As we prepare for tomorrow’s meeting, it is our collective goal to strengthen collaboration among member states, address challenges, and explore opportunities for innovation in the shipping and maritime industry. This commitment reflects our dedication to fostering economic prosperity and enhancing the maritime capabilities of our region.
The handover of ISCOS chairmanship from Uganda to Zambia symbolizes a continued partnership and shared vision for the future of maritime affairs in Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa. We look forward to fruitful discussions and strategic initiatives that will pave the way for a robust and dynamic shipping and maritime sector in the region.