The accord was signed by Samah Fawzy, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Julius D. Dennis, Director-General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority. The signing ceremony was attended by Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister, Sameh El-Hefny.

Scope of Technical Assistance and Training

Through the Egypt Liberia Aviation MoU, Egyptian authorities will provide targeted technical support across various domains of civil aviation. The initiative emphasizes knowledge-sharing and the transfer of specialized technical expertise to train qualified personnel in full adherence to ICAO standards.

Minister El-Hefny noted that the agreement forms part of Egypt’s broader effort to deepen partnership with African nations. He stated that capacity building and technical exchanges are essential for sectoral advancement and regional integration. According to El-Hefny, Egypt’s expanding technical partnerships across the continent demonstrate growing confidence in its aviation expertise, while reinforcing its position as a regional hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Egypt’s Expanding Role in Regional Aviation

The pact with Liberia represents the latest step in Egypt’s effort to broaden its civil aviation leadership across the region. Earlier this month, Egypt was elected to chair the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization. Furthermore, in April, Egypt renewed its agreement with ICAO to host the organization’s Middle East Regional Office in Cairo, which serves 15 member states as one of seven regional bases worldwide.

In a prior meeting this year with ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s ongoing airport expansion efforts alongside initiatives to upgrade aviation training and technical operational systems.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Institutional Capacity

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA, expressed his gratitude for Ghana’s consistent support, particularly during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council. He noted that this maritime cooperation pact provides a practical and structured framework for deeper engagement. The collaboration will prioritize regional maritime safety, the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC), and the sharing of technical knowledge to build institutional capacity. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses comparative research and joint enforcement initiatives to streamline regulatory effectiveness across both jurisdictions.

“We will continue to work together to grow our economies and make the maritime sector safer. This Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment to do better. NIMASA will fully play its part in implementing the agreement, while both institutions must establish annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results,” he said.

Implementation Framework and Security Coordination

To ensure the objectives of the maritime cooperation agreement are met with measurable outcomes, NIMASA and GMA will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT). This body will be responsible for developing detailed action plans and monitoring the implementation of agreed-upon programs through designated focal persons. The JCT is scheduled to meet twice a year, with hosting duties alternating between Nigeria and Ghana to review progress and evaluate cooperation activities. This cooperative model is expected to significantly enhance Gulf of Guinea security by coordinating efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism.

A Milestone for Regional Maritime Leadership

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, characterized the agreement as a major milestone for both administrations. He acknowledged Nigeria’s influential leadership role in the sector, stating that Ghana has historically drawn valuable lessons from studying Nigerian initiatives, such as its ship registry and Cabotage regime.

The meeting was officially opened on 7th July 2026 by the Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Makumbe. Throughout the gathering, delegates are focusing on measures designed to strengthen border management, improve regional connectivity and facilitate the seamless movement of both goods and people between the neighbouring countries. The renewed engagement reflects the continued importance of the Beira corridor as a critical link for regional trade and cross-border cooperation.

In her opening remarks, Makumbe described the Beira corridor as a strategic economic lifeline for Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region, highlighting its significant role in supporting trade, tourism and investment. She stressed the importance of deeper collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique to improve border efficiency, harmonise operational procedures and accelerate infrastructure development that supports regional economic integration.

According to Makumbe, modern, efficient and secure border systems are essential for strengthening regional competitiveness while creating new economic opportunities. She also pointed to Zimbabwe’s ongoing border modernisation programme, identifying the planned upgrading of Forbes Border Post through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as one of the Government’s flagship infrastructure projects. The initiative is intended to reduce border delays, enhance service delivery and facilitate increased trade while demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing world-class border facilities capable of supporting higher levels of regional and international commerce.

Delegates Seek Practical Measures to Improve Corridor Competitiveness

The Joint Border Committee meeting is expected to serve as a platform for identifying practical solutions to operational challenges affecting the Beira corridor while strengthening institutional cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. During the discussions, delegates are working toward agreements on measures that can improve the efficiency, safety and overall competitiveness of transport corridors connecting Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The focus remains on advancing coordinated approaches that support smoother transport operations, better border management and stronger regional connectivity.

In addition to addressing operational priorities, the committee is expected to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By promoting improved transport infrastructure, efficient border management and enhanced trade facilitation, the meeting aims to contribute to broader regional integration objectives while supporting the continued development of cross-border economic cooperation.

Building on a Growing Investment

This latest approval builds on a growing financial commitment from the World Bank. The original project was approved in December 2021 with a US$70 million allocation, followed by a further US$90 million in additional financing in September 2024. With this new US$45 million grant, total World Bank financing for the project now stands at US$205 million.

The new funding draws directly from lessons learned during the implementation of the parent project, with a particular emphasis on the need to address road safety risks that have been identified along key stretches of the Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Climate Resilience

A central focus of this round of financing is the widening of high-risk sections of National Road 1 between Arta and Doudoubala into a dual carriageway with median separation. This upgrade will be complemented by targeted safety measures in selected areas prone to accidents and congestion.

Beyond road widening, the financing will also fund the strengthening of drainage systems and pavement structures to improve the corridor’s ability to withstand the challenges posed by extreme heat and intense rainfall events. Climate resilience is a core pillar of this phase, with 70 kilometers of roads set to be rehabilitated to climate-resilient standards.

A New Focus on Road Safety Management

The operation introduces a new dedicated component centered on safe access and road safety management. This component will support the development of stronger institutions, more effective speed management and enforcement mechanisms, and improved vehicle safety regulations. The goal is to embed lasting road safety governance into the corridor’s management framework, rather than addressing safety through infrastructure alone. Real-time traffic and incident management systems will also be expanded as part of the project’s broader safety and efficiency objectives.

Empowering Local Communities and Women

The financing goes beyond physical infrastructure, with a clear mandate to increase the corridor’s local development impact — particularly for women. The project will support the development of gender-responsive roadside rest areas and marketplaces, with a commitment that at least half of the available stalls will be allocated to women. Targeted business advisory services will accompany this initiative to help women vendors and entrepreneurs build sustainable livelihoods. Overall, the project is expected to create 550 jobs for communities along the Djibouti Regional Economic Corridor, contributing to broader economic inclusion in the region.

Voices from the Project

Fatou Fall, World Bank Group Joint Resident Representative for Djibouti, said, “This new financing reflects the World Bank Group’s commitment to strengthening the safety, resilience, and performance of one of the region’s most strategic transport corridors. By combining safer infrastructure, stronger institutions, and local economic opportunities, the project will improve connectivity while benefiting communities along the corridor.”

Emphasizing the strategic significance of the corridor, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry, said, “The Djibouti-Addis Corridor is not merely a road; it is a strategic economic corridor that underpins regional integration, trade resilience, and shared prosperity. This financing will help transform a critical trade artery into a modern, efficient, and sustainable logistics corridor, reinforcing Djibouti’s ambition to serve as the premier gateway and logistics platform for the Horn of Africa and beyond.”

Projected Outcomes by 2033

The project sets out a clear set of measurable targets to be achieved by 2033. Travel time along the Djibouti-Addis Southern Corridor is expected to be reduced, and truck border-crossing time at Guelileh is anticipated to decrease as well. More than 250,000 people are projected to gain access to more resilient road infrastructure as a result of the upgrades.

Among the most significant targets is a projected 30 percent reduction in road traffic fatalities, a direct outcome of the enhanced Djibouti corridor road safety measures embedded throughout this phase of the project.

Tashico managing director Eric Hamissi said the agreement underscores a strategic initiative to cultivate national capabilities in maritime transportation and to elevate Tanzania’s involvement in international cargo shipping. This partnership is projected to broaden the reach of Tanzania’s transport services and solidify its position as a vital trade conduit for East and Central African countries, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“This is a partnership driven by mutual need… we want to improve efficiency in water transport and fully utilise opportunities available in the Lake Tanganyika corridor,” said Hamissi.

Beyond operational enhancements, the accord will facilitate a valuable exchange of expertise. LMC brings considerable experience in ocean shipping via the Atlantic Ocean, while Tashico contributes its specialized knowledge in navigating the Great Lakes. Initially, the companies intend to utilize chartered vessels to meet existing market demands.

This landmark agreement coincides with the Port of Dar es Salaam’s ongoing efforts to augment its capacity in managing cargo destined for neighboring countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo stands as one of its most substantial clients. Statistical data indicates that a considerable volume of DRC’s cargo transit occurs via Tanzania, positioning the country as a critical logistics hub in the East and Central African region.

LMC Director General’s representative, Mr Frank Nkulu, believes that this collaboration is an important step in fortifying the economic and trade ties between Tanzania and the DRC. The partnership endeavors to establish a contemporary and effective transport network capable of meeting the requirements of both traders and communities situated around Lake Tanganyika. The agreement is also poised to elevate the utilization of Lake Tanganyika as a primary transportation artery, thereby opening trade avenues for neighboring nations, including Zambia and Burundi.

The president acknowledged the ongoing traffic challenges faced by motorists and passengers utilizing the route, with particular emphasis on the problematic sections around Bomas and Ongata Rongai.

To implement the necessary improvements, President Ruto revealed that he has directed the Ministry of Roads and Transport to include the Rongai-Kiserian-Nairobi road within the purview of the National Infrastructure Fund. This strategic move is to facilitate the transformation of the existing road into a dual carriageway. Currently, preliminary studies are being conducted to ascertain the full scope and the most effective implementation strategies for the project.

The Kiserian-Rongai-Nairobi road serves as a critical 20-kilometre link connecting Nairobi directly to Ongata Rongai and Kiserian. The route commences at the junction of Lang’ata Road, near the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, traverses the busy Ongata Rongai residential and commercial areas, and continues onwards to Kiserian. Although earlier expansions to Magadi Road, near the Bomas of Kenya, were initiated in 2024 and concluded in February 2026, commuters travelling between Kiserian and Nairobi continue to experience significant traffic delays. This new dual carriageway plan for the Kiserian Ongata Rongai road, financed via the National Infrastructure Fund, is part of a broader government strategy for major infrastructure projects. Other developments currently being supported by the National Infrastructure Fund include the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and various other significant road upgrades.

In addition to the dual carriageway plans for the Kiserian Ongata Rongai road, President Ruto also announced further infrastructure allocations for Kajiado County. The government has earmarked Ksh500 million for the construction of the Mashuru-Ishiara road, with construction slated to begin the following week. Furthermore, funding has been secured for the Ngong-Kibiko-Kangira road, and a contractor has been identified to commence construction as planned. This comprehensive approach to infrastructure development demonstrates a commitment to improving connectivity and easing transportation across the region.

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) played a crucial role in this endeavor, acting as the Global Coordinator and Initial Mandated Lead Arranger. The bank was instrumental in mobilizing funding from a diverse array of sources, including development finance institutions and local currency financiers. This collaborative approach directly supports the Ministry of Finance’s strategic objectives to unlock new regional trade opportunities and significantly upgrade transport infrastructure.

The 374-kilometre rail line will directly connect Kano, a major economic hub in northern Nigeria, with Maradi, a significant city in neighbouring Niger. This direct link is anticipated to streamline logistical operations and encourage greater economic exchange between the two nations.

Executive Director and Head of Investment Banking at RMB Nigeria, Chidi Iwuchukwu, described the deal as a transformative transaction that would strengthen trade and development across the region.

“This pivotal transaction connects regional entities, supporting trade and development in the region. The RMB team demonstrated its skill in cross-border African transactions, arranging transport assets under EPC+f arrangements for sovereign borrowers,” said Iwuchukwu.

Beyond boosting economic growth and regional unity, the Kano-Maradi rail project is expected to diversify transportation options, thereby improving overall connectivity between Nigeria and Niger. Furthermore, the initiative is projected to stimulate cross-border commerce and contribute positively to Nigeria’s long-term objectives for emissions reduction, aligning with broader environmental goals. This focus on sustainable infrastructure development marks a forward-thinking approach.

RMB attributes the successful execution of this complex financing arrangement to a highly collaborative effort. Their Syndications, Structured Solutions, and Infrastructure Sector Solutions teams worked in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance and various other financing partners. The bank also emphasized its strong collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), which served as a vital stakeholder and financing partner throughout the three-year transaction process.

Senior Dealmaker and Head of Infrastructure Finance at RMB Nigeria, Enyinna Anumudu, acknowledged Mota Engil Africa, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor on the project, as a strategic partner in delivering infrastructure projects across the continent.

“Mota Engil Africa continues to serve as an important partner to RMB Infrastructure Sector Solutions as the leading EPC contractor on the African continent. RMB has supported Mota Engil across its operations in Africa, as well as on projects where Mota Engil is acting as the EPC and financing contractor for sovereigns such as Nigeria as is the case with this project,” said Anumudu.

The financing arrangement presented considerable complexities due to the involvement of numerous institutions and the rigorous due diligence, Know Your Customer (KYC), and onboarding requirements mandated by all participating lenders. RMB dedicated substantial resources to effectively coordinate stakeholders and manage the intricate execution process, ultimately achieving financial close on what is considered one of the region’s most significant transport infrastructure projects. This successful closure of the Kano-Maradi rail project financing underscores RMB’s dedication to supporting critical infrastructure development and cross-border trade throughout Africa.

Iwuchukwu further commented on RMB’s pride in serving as the Global Coordinator and Initial Mandated Lead Arranger for this landmark transaction. He stated that by facilitating this financing for essential infrastructure and fostering effective collaboration among all involved parties, RMB has played a key role in enabling transformative, cross-regional trade relationships. This emphasizes the project’s importance for economic integration and future prosperity between Nigeria and Niger.

Mobereola noted that closer collaboration among African countries is critical to unlocking the continent’s maritime opportunities and accelerating progress within the Blue Economy. He explained that stronger maritime cooperation can contribute significantly to building capacity, enhancing regional integration and creating employment prospects for young Africans seeking opportunities within the global maritime industry. Stressing the need for greater collective action, he said, “The time has come for African nations to upscale maritime collaboration. The partnership between Nigeria and Liberia will help us build capacity, strengthen regional cooperation and create opportunities for African youths within the global maritime industry,” he said. He further emphasized the value of sea-time training and practical industry exposure, stating that such efforts are essential to equipping Nigerian and African maritime professionals with the skills required to compete effectively on the international stage.

The NIMASA Director-General also acknowledged Liberia’s support for Nigeria’s successful bid for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization. According to him, the two nations have sustained productive maritime relations over the years, providing a strong foundation for expanded maritime cooperation in the future. He indicated that continued collaboration would strengthen regional maritime development while supporting broader economic objectives linked to the Blue Economy.

Earlier, Akinosun stated that his visit was intended to reinforce the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Liberia while identifying new opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. He described the maritime sector as a key contributor to economic growth, regional integration and Blue Economy advancement across Africa. Akinosun also praised NIMASA’s leadership for initiatives focused on repositioning Nigeria’s maritime industry for sustainable growth and investment. Reaffirming Liberia’s interest in working more closely with the agency, he said, “Nigeria has demonstrated genuine commitment to maritime partnership and regional growth. Liberia looks forward to deeper collaboration with NIMASA in maritime administration, safety, capacity development and trade promotion for the advancement of Africa’s BlueEconomy,” he said.

This high-level engagement was aimed at fostering stronger Sudanese-Chinese collaboration in key sectors including ports, infrastructure development, and maritime transport. A primary objective was to explore potential partnership opportunities between Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation and CHEC, with a specific focus on advancing port development and modernization initiatives. Enhancing logistics services and undertaking the rehabilitation of infrastructure vital to maritime transport were also central themes.

The meeting for maritime infrastructure cooperation highlighted Sudan’s considerable potential, particularly within its seaports sector. The nation’s advantageous strategic position along the Red Sea offers substantial opportunities to bolster its role as a pivotal regional hub for transportation, trade, and comprehensive logistics services.

Engineer Jilani articulated Sudan’s keen interest in harnessing the advanced expertise that Chinese companies, such as CHEC, possess in port construction and management. He acknowledged CHEC’s impressive track record of successful projects, both regionally and internationally, positioning the company as a valuable strategic partner for Sudan’s forthcoming development endeavors.

Bai Yingjiang, representing China Harbour Engineering Company, conveyed appreciation for the enduring historical ties between China and Sudan. He also lauded the robust relationship that exists between CHEC and the Sudanese Sea Ports Corporation. Yingjiang affirmed CHEC’s strong interest in deepening this cooperation with Sudan and actively evaluating avenues for participation in critical maritime infrastructure projects. Such involvement, he noted, would serve mutual interests and provide substantial support to Sudan’s economic development initiatives.

The discussions encompassed an in-depth review of both ongoing and prospective projects. This extensive dialogue reflected a mutual desire to solidify existing cooperation and to broaden its scope towards more ambitious future undertakings. Both sides underscored the necessity of sustained coordination in the ensuing period to identify further concrete opportunities for collaboration within the ports and maritime infrastructure domain.

China Harbour Engineering Company further conveyed its readiness to support the execution of joint projects and to expand the partnership with the Sudanese entities. This commitment is intended to contribute significantly to Sudan’s ongoing development and reconstruction efforts, reinforcing the bilateral commitment to progress.

The presence of the CMA CGM Adventure at the Port of Mombasa is a clear indicator of the evolving landscape of international trade, where a discernible shift towards greener technologies is becoming the norm. This advanced vessel represents a new generation of environmentally conscious ships engineered to substantially reduce carbon emissions inherent in global cargo transport.

Unlike conventional cargo vessels that predominantly rely on fuel oil, the CMA CGM Adventure utilizes Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as its primary fuel source. This cleaner alternative significantly curtails the release of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, aligning with international efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation.

During a special reception organised by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to commemorate the vessel’s maiden call, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto highlighted the significance of this event. He described the arrival of the CMA CGM Adventure as a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of the maritime industry. Captain Ruto expressed optimism that the Port of Mombasa would welcome an increasing number of eco-friendly vessels in the coming years as the shipping sector intensifies its adoption of cleaner technologies.

“These vessels are now the norm as the industry goes green and champions sustainability and conservation of the environment,” Captain Ruto stated.

Globally, shipping lines are facing mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. This pressure stems from more stringent environmental regulations and a growing demand for transparent and cleaner supply chains from both businesses and consumers. In response, ports worldwide are undertaking modernization efforts to transition from traditional cargo handling centers into climate-conscious logistics hubs capable of supporting sustainable trade.

The Port of Mombasa is actively adapting to this new reality through a series of green initiatives detailed in the KPA’s Green Ports Policy. Among the measures already in progress are the expansion of solar power installations across port facilities, aimed at increasing renewable energy usage. Furthermore, the gradual introduction of hybrid cargo-handling machinery is underway, designed to optimize fuel consumption and reduce operational emissions.

The authority is also implementing advanced shore power technology. This technology will enable docked ships to switch off their onboard engines and instead connect to electricity supplied directly from land-based sources. This innovation is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating air pollution in the vicinity of the port. Complementing these efforts, mangrove restoration projects are being actively pursued along the Kenyan coast. These projects are vital for strengthening fragile coastal ecosystems and contribute significantly to carbon absorption efforts, further underscoring the commitment to maritime sustainability.

The maiden voyage of this LNG-powered vessel to Mombasa is anticipated to bolster the port’s reputation as a burgeoning regional gateway that is well-prepared to align itself with the future trajectory of global green shipping, reinforcing the Port of Mombasa’s role in sustainable trade.