The Global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres Network – Phase II (GMN II) is an ambitious initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). At its heart, GMN II is about helping developing regions – including Africa – cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping while building the skills, partnerships, and technologies needed for a sustainable maritime future.
For Africa, this project comes at exactly the right time. Shipping already accounts for about 3% of global GHG emissions, and without action, those emissions could more than double by 2050. Africa’s shipping-related emissions are also rising – UNCTAD reports a 28% increase between 2012 and 2018 – and with freight demand set to surge, the need for action is clear. Ports add to the challenge: as much as 5% of global shipping emissions happen in port areas, where pollution directly impacts coastal communities.
MTCC Africa: Leading from the Front
As the Regional Implementing Partner for GMN II, MTCC Africa (hosted at JKUAT in Mombasa, Kenya) is proud to be at the forefront of this work. Building on lessons from GMN Phase I, our team is now focused on turning awareness into action by:
-
Running national pilot projects in Namibia 🇳🇦 and Mauritius 🇲🇺 to test real-world solutions for energy-efficient shipping and ports.
-
Strengthening capacity across the region through training and technical support for maritime administrations, port authorities, and industry.
-
Establishing a Regional Industry Alliance to bring governments, academia, and private sector players together to scale sustainable solutions.
-
Championing gender equality by working with networks like WOMESA to ensure women are actively involved in shaping Africa’s maritime energy transition.
Why This Matters
Decarbonizing shipping is about far more than cutting carbon. The co-benefits are immediate and tangible:
-
Cleaner air in port cities: Reducing ship emissions directly improves health for coastal communities that often bear the brunt of pollution.
-
Protected oceans: Energy-efficient ships and cleaner fuels also reduce underwater noise and marine pollution, giving marine life a fighting chance.
-
Lower costs: Efficiency upgrades can cut ship fuel use by 5–30%, saving operators money while reducing emissions.
-
Jobs and innovation: Studies show that investing in maritime decarbonization could create thousands of green jobs, from renewable energy to shipbuilding. For Africa, new markets in green hydrogen and ammonia could also unlock billions in investment – in South Africa alone, potential investments could reach ZAR 122–175 billion by 2030.
Building Skills and Partnerships
One of the biggest challenges for Africa is not willingness, but capacity. Many countries lack the technical expertise, monitoring systems, or resources to move quickly. That’s why training and partnerships are such a central part of GMN II.
Through the MTCCs, IMO, and partners like the World Maritime University, African maritime professionals are receiving training in everything from fuel efficiency and port electrification to alternative fuels and climate finance. For example, in early 2024 WMU and the South African Maritime Safety Authority trained more than 30 executives and policymakers on maritime decarbonization, equipping them with the knowledge to lead change back home.
These initiatives are already creating ripple effects – stronger institutions, informed decision-makers, and growing confidence to pilot new technologies.
A Just and Inclusive Transition
No transition is truly sustainable without inclusion. Right now, women make up only 19% of the maritime workforce globally, and just 1% of seafarers. That has to change. Diversity is not only fair – it’s smart. Different perspectives spark innovation, and Africa’s maritime transition will be stronger with women actively involved at every level.
That’s why MTCC Africa is working closely with WOMESA and other partners to bring women into technical trainings, policy discussions, and pilot projects. Globally, initiatives like the IMO–WISTA survey show that more companies are adopting gender diversity measures, and new roles in areas like sustainability and decarbonization are proving especially attractive for women.
By embracing a just and inclusive transition, Africa’s maritime sector can unlock its full talent pool – and ensure that the benefits of green shipping are shared by all.
Looking Ahead
The pilots in Namibia and Mauritius are just the beginning. The knowledge and solutions generated through GMN II will provide a blueprint for other African countries to follow, helping the continent play a leading role in the global maritime energy transition.
At MTCC Africa, we are committed to making sure this opportunity delivers real, lasting change – not just for shipping, but for people, communities, and the planet. Together with our partners in Africa and across the Global MTCC Network, we are determined to show that sustainable shipping is possible, practical, and powerful.
✨ In short: GMN II matters for Africa because it brings cleaner air, healthier oceans, cost savings, new jobs, and a stronger voice for Africa in shaping the future of global shipping – all while building the skills and partnerships to make it happen.
