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Dr Renis Ojwala, Research Associate, World Maritime University
Dr. Renis Auma Ojwala works as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the World Maritime University (WMU), where she focuses on fostering crew sustainability in the maritime industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Aquatic Science from Egerton University in Kenya, a Master of Science in Limnology and Wetland Management from a joint program between BOKU University (Austria), Egerton University (Kenya), and UNESCO-IHE Delft (The Netherlands), and a PhD in Maritime Affairs from WMU.
Africa Maritime Day in Antwerp brought together voices from across the sector to explore how seafarers can thrive in a changing global maritime landscape. I was honoured to join the panel “African Seafarers: An Ocean of Opportunities” - a conversation that moved beyond recognition and into action. The energy in the room was palpable. From policymakers and educators to shipowners, investors and young professionals, there was a shared understanding that this was more than just another conference – it was a call to shape Africa’s maritime future. We weren’t only talking about ships, ports or training programmes; we were talking about people, livelihoods and the continent’s rightful place in the global maritime economy.
Why does this matter? Because Africa is surrounded by water, blessed with coastlines stretching over 30,000 kilometres, and strategically positioned along some of the world’s most important shipping lanes – yet too many of its seafarers remain unseen, underrepresented, and untapped. The world depends on the men and women who keep global trade moving, and Africa has the talent, youth and potential to be a driving force in that workforce. But potential alone isn’t enough. If African seafarers are to truly thrive, we need stronger systems – education, infrastructure, policy and opportunity – to match their ambition.
As I listened to speeches, panels, and one-to-one conversations where experts and leaders shared their experiences, one thought became clear: if Africa is to compete on the global maritime stage, we need more than ambition – we need action. The discussions focused on Africa’s place in the global economy, about empowerment, and about connecting our people to the world. Every session I attended – from supporting seafarers and modernising maritime infrastructure to forging impactful collaboration between European and African maritime stakeholders and strengthening trade ties – highlighted the continent’s immense potential and the collective effort required to unlock it. Every voice, every partnership, every step we take matters.
African seafarers are vital to the global maritime workforce. Every day, thousands of them navigate the same oceans that connect continents, power economies, and sustain livelihoods. Yet, despite their indispensable role, too many of them face structural barriers that limit their growth and visibility on the world stage. Access to quality maritime training and certification remains uneven across the continent, often determined by geography or legal barriers or economic circumstance rather than talent or ambition. Many maritime academies struggle with outdated curricula or limited resources, while young seafarers face challenges meeting international certification standards. As a result, capable African professionals are frequently overlooked for opportunities that match their skill and potential.
Beyond training, there’s the issue of representation – or rather, the lack of it. African voices are still underrepresented in global market decision-making forums, where key policies and labour standards are shaped. This absence means that African realities and perspectives are often missing from the conversations that determine the future of the industry. The global labour market presents another layer of complexity. While shipping remains an international enterprise, many African seafarers face barriers to placement on vessels due to limited recognition of regional certifications, visa restrictions, or a lack of established recruitment pathways. The result is a paradox: a continent rich in maritime talent, yet underutilised in a sector that desperately needs more skilled hands.
Our panel – “African Seafarers: An ocean of opportunities” – confronted these challenges head-on. The conversation was not about sympathy, but about strategy. How do we ensure African seafarers have access to world-class training? How do we build regional institutions that meet global standards? How can partnerships between Africa and Europe create fairer, more inclusive pathways for maritime employment? What became clear is that progress will not come from isolated efforts. It will take collaboration – between governments, industry, training institutions, and international partners – to create an ecosystem where African seafarers can not only participate but lead. Because when Africa’s seafarers rise, the entire maritime world benefits.
While the challenges are significant, so too are the opportunities. Throughout the day, the discussions centred on the following priority areas that could transform Africa’s maritime future. First, there was strengthening maritime education, training and practical sea-time infrastructure. We talked about the importance of modernising training centres with simulators, training vessels and curriculum aligned with international standards. Practical sea-time is critical. Without hands-on experience, even the brightest cadets struggle to compete on the global stage. There was excitement in the room as panellists discussed building partnerships with shipping lines, creating regional training networks, and strengthening trainers’ capacity to ensure that Africa’s seafarers are prepared for the demands of modern, green and digital shipping.
Equally pressing was the need to equip seafarers for the future. The industry is changing fast, moving towards low- and zero-carbon fuels, automation and digital navigation systems. Africa has a young, ambitious population ready to embrace these technologies – but training must reflect this reality. By integrating green and digital skills, providing scholarships and cadetships, and aligning national policies to support a just transition, African seafarers can leap ahead rather than play catch-up.
Inclusion and diversity also dominated the conversation. It’s not enough to train seafarers; we must ensure that opportunities are accessible to all, including women and underrepresented groups. That means reforming recruitment policies, offering mentorship programmes, guaranteeing fair contracts, and creating sea-time opportunities on African-flagged vessels that allow meaningful career progression. When seafarers are supported, fairly treated, and recognised, the entire ecosystems – ports, services, logistics – benefits. Policy reform and alignment emerged as another cornerstone. National strategies must harmonise with global labour demands, safety standards, and certification requirements. Without this coordination, even the most skilled African seafarers risk exclusion from the international maritime labour market.
Finally, there was a strong call for investment and partnerships, alongside visibility. Modern infrastructure and equipment are essential, but so is ensuring that African seafarers are seen, heard, and valued. Recognition creates credibility, attracts investment, and opens doors for further opportunity. It’s not charity – it’s equity. Listening to these discussions, I felt a sense of optimism. The challenges are real, but the roadmap is clear. Africa can build a maritime workforce that is skilled, visible, and future-ready, capable of seizing the opportunities of a global economy in transition. The energy in the room made is obvious: this transformation is within reach – but only if education, policy, inclusion, investment and recognition move forward together.
This month, our Director of Skills and Education, Tim Slingsby, was a keynote speaker at World Maritime University’s 'Advancing the Blue Economy Through Gender Equality' conference, discussing insights from our deep dive report on seafarer sustainability.
A new report published by Lloyd's Register Foundation highlights opportunities to make the number of seafarers more sustainable by investing in Africa's emerging talent and supporting women in maritime roles.
How do new technologies affect the safety and welfare of people working at sea? A new project, led by The Nautical Institute in collaboration with Lloyd's Register Foundation, is exploring the real-world impact of new systems and working practices on seafarers.
