Djibouti well positioned to be the headquarters of the African Union of Shipowners

Red Sea World, the Chairman received, Mrs. Folorunso Olufunmilayo Adetola, Secretary General of the African Union of Shipowners.

The meeting focused on enhancing African participation in the maritime sector, increasing the continent’s involvement in the carriage of its seaborne trade, and fostering cooperation among African shipping lines.

Discussions emphasized Article 11 of the African Maritime Transport Charter, which calls on member states “to promote cabotage at sub-regional, regional, and continental levels,” 

The Chairman and the Secretary General also discussed prioritizing African shipowners in serving African countries for cabotage, and ensure African products are carried within the continent by African-owned ships.

The vision aligns with efforts to strengthen Africa’s maritime capabilities and retain more benefits from its trade.
Mrs. Folorunso Olufunmilayo Adetolas suggested to establish in Djibouti the headquarters of the African Union of Shipowners, uniting all African nations under a common maritime vision. With its strategic location and world-class port infrastructure, Djibouti is well-positioned to lead this initiative.

To further these objectives, DPFZA, along with the African Union of Shipowners is organizing an African Maritime Cabotage Summit in September 2025. The objective is to bring together stakeholders in order to develop actionable strategies for advancing the continent’s maritime sector, boosting Africa’s maritime ambitions and fostering regional economic growth.

Djibouti owns a merchant fleet consisting of four ships with a total of 117.374 DWT. The fleet is detailed as follows: 
•⁠  ⁠Red Sea 1 = 9 593 DWT
-Red Sea 2 = 93.072 DWT
•⁠  ⁠Vera = 990 DWT
•⁠  ⁠Africa Sun = 13. 719 DWT.