By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Alexandria, Egypt — August 26, 2025 — The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has taken a pivotal step in enhancing its maritime capabilities by signing a comprehensive Protocol of Cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt.
The agreement was formalized during an official visit from a Sierra Leonean delegation led by Dr. Daniel Bobson Kitibi, Executive Director of SLMA. The delegation was warmly received by H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT, at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Qir, Alexandria.
This strategic partnership aims to bolster collaboration in maritime education, training, environmental protection, and sustainable development, providing SLMA with crucial support in upgrading its technical and academic competencies.
The meeting featured senior officials from AASTMT, including Dr. Yasser El-Sunbati, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, and Captain Emad Khafaji, Dean of the International Maritime Organization Complex. Together, they discussed expanding institutional cooperation, facilitating knowledge transfer, and supporting Sierra Leone’s ambitions for a modern maritime sector.
The Protocol of Cooperation signifies a shared commitment to promoting academic exchanges, best practices in maritime operations, and strengthening regulatory frameworks in line with international standards. Key provisions of the agreement include:
- Training and certification of seafarers in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards
- Technical assistance and curriculum development
- Joint research initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability
- Capacity building in marine safety, port management, and maritime law
Dr. Abdel Ghafar expressed the Academy’s readiness to assist Sierra Leone in developing qualified maritime personnel and building institutional capabilities, reinforcing its role as a regional and international hub for maritime education.
After the signing ceremony, the Sierra Leonean delegation toured AASTMT’s cutting-edge maritime facilities, including the College of Maritime Transport and Technology and the Integrated Simulation Complex. These visits highlighted the Academy’s innovative training infrastructure and its commitment to preparing maritime professionals for global demands.
Dr. Kitibi expressed gratitude to Dr. Abdel Ghafar and the Academy’s leadership for their hospitality and collaborative spirit. He emphasized that this partnership marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s maritime future, stating, “We are confident that this cooperation will greatly enhance our capabilities and create new opportunities for our seafarers and maritime professionals.”
Both parties reaffirmed their shared vision of leveraging maritime education and training to drive economic development, ensure environmental stewardship, and promote safer, more efficient maritime operations across Africa and beyond.
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