Maritime Business Chamber welcomes South Africa’s return to key UN maritime council
South Africa’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term has been welcomed by the Maritime Business Chamber (MBC), which says the re-election affirms the country’s leadership role in global maritime governance.
Executive Chairperson of the MBC, Unathi Sonti, said South Africa’s successful campaign to regain its Category C seat follows more than two decades of continuous service on the IMO Council up to 2021.
“We proudly congratulate the Republic of South Africa on its successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term,” Sonti said, adding that the outcome was an affirmation of the nation’s continued leadership in global maritime governance.
The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating global shipping and promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Its conventions — including SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW — shape global standards for vessel safety, pollution prevention and seafarer training.
The IMO Council, the organisation’s executive body, consists of 40 member states elected for two-year terms. It oversees the IMO’s work between Assembly sessions, including committees, budget planning and strategic direction. According to the IMO’s official briefing, the newly elected 2026–2027 Council will convene for its 136th session on 4 December 2025.
South Africa was elected under Category C, which the IMO defines as a group of states “which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election… will ensure representation of all major geographic areas of the world.” The category is designed to ensure balanced global representation, including from developing maritime regions.
Sonti said the chamber applauds the diplomatic excellence, strategic engagement, and strong bilateral relations that shaped South Africa’s campaign, including its commitment to South–South cooperation.
He also highlighted Africa’s broader gains, with Liberia elected under Category A and Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa elected under Category C. However, Sonti noted with disappointment that Kenya failed to secure re-election.
“While we celebrate Africa’s strengthened presence, we note with regret Kenya’s absence from re-election, which would have further reinforced a balanced and fully representative African maritime voice across all four regions,” he said.
Sonti further commended Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa for leading South Africa’s mandate.
“We commend the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who championed South Africa’s mandate and ensured strong regional representation,” he said, noting that South Africa now stands as the sole elected member from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
He said South Africa’s return to the Council strengthens the country’s ability to influence international maritime regulation, environmental standards and safety frameworks — all central to the IMO’s mission.
Looking ahead, the MBC said Africa’s vast ocean resources present a major economic opportunity. With an estimated 30,500 kilometers of coastline, Sonti said the continent holds “vast untapped potential in its ocean economy” that could stimulate skills development, seafarer deployment, shipbuilding, fisheries and broader investment benefiting coastal communities.
Sonti used the moment to renew the chamber’s call for strengthened maritime governance in South Africa.
“MBC reiterates its call for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Maritime Affairs or the appointment of an Ocean Economy Envoy in the Presidency,” he said. He added that the South African Maritime Safety Authority should be transformed into a more comprehensive South African Maritime Authority.
“As a continental Chamber, the Maritime Business Chamber stands ready to collaborate with the African Union, national governments and industry stakeholders to consolidate Africa’s influence within the IMO,” Sonti said.
“Together, we can build a more coordinated and impactful African maritime bloc — ensuring that Africa’s oceans are governed, developed and protected for the prosperity of its people.”
About the Maritime Business Chamber
The Maritime Business Chamber is a South African non-profit organisation representing businesses active or aspiring to participate in the maritime and ocean-economy sectors. Established in Nelson Mandela Bay, the chamber was formed to address historical imbalances in maritime participation and to advocate for greater inclusion of emerging and historically disadvantaged enterprises within the sector.
The MBC promotes industry transformation, enterprise development and improved access to maritime value chains — including ports, logistics, shipping services and coastal economic opportunities. It aligns its work with national maritime frameworks such as the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy and the Oceans Economy Master Plan, and actively champions skills development and youth entry into the sector.
Increasingly, the chamber positions itself as a continental voice, advocating for stronger African cooperation, regional maritime governance and expanded African influence within global bodies such as the IMO.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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