The IMO-European Union "Future-Ready Shipping in Africa" project is seeking maritime Government stakeholders, who will receive technical support for decarbonization and digitalization in sub-Saharan Africa.
Calls for expressions of interest have been issued by IMO for the following:
Member State participation - Support for Strengthening Maritime Governance and Policy Frameworks for Decarbonization, Environmental Sustainability, and Digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa (Circular Letter No.5117) seeks eligible Member States to participate in targeted technical assistance activities focused on strengthening maritime governance and policy frameworks in support of decarbonization, environmental sustainability and digitalization. (Deadline: 9 March 2026)
Digitalization - Support for enhancement of maritime single window (MSW) readiness and data-driven, digitalized maritime oversight in Sub-Saharan Africa (Circular Letter No.5115) seeks interested government entities in Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g. ministries, departments, agencies, etc.), as well as State-owned enterprises (SOEs). They will be supported to assess digital readiness and infrastructure gaps for implementing a Maritime Single Window (MSW); map existing port community systems (PCS), MSW-related platforms, and IT infrastructure; assess feasibility and develop MSW implementation roadmap. (Deadline: 9 March 2026)
Education pilot - Support for Integrated Educational Pilot for Green and Digital Shipping in Sub-Saharan Africa (Circular Letter No.5114) seeks interested government entities in the Sub-Saharan Africa region (e.g. ministries, departments, agencies), including those responsible for maritime education and training, as well as regional or subregional maritime training institutions. They will be supported to develop and deliver upgraded curricula on alternative fuels, biodiversity-sensitive operations, digital technologies, and maritime governance. This will enable a diverse cohort of seafarers, instructors, and port professionals to acquire new competencies through enhanced training programmes, scholarships, and industry-linked practical and sea-time experience. (Deadline: 9 March 2026).
Alternative fuels - Support for feasibility assessments and bankable project development for environmentally sustainable alternative fuels (Circular Letter No.5116) seeks interested government entities in the Sub-Saharan Africa region (e.g. Ministries, Departments, Agencies, etc.), as well as State-owned enterprises (SOEs).They will be supported to assess port readiness and infrastructure gaps for alternative fuel bunkering and shipment; conduct safety, regulatory, and operational feasibility analysis; identify viable alternative fuel pathways; develop feasibility studies and prepare business cases. (Deadline: 9 March 2026).
Expressions of interest must be submitted by official government entities (e.g. Ministries, Departments, Agencies). Submissions from non-government organizations or the private sector must be endorsed by the respective Member State government entity.
The "Future-Ready Shipping in Africa" project is designed to support the African continent's transition towards a sustainable, decarbonized, and digitally advanced maritime sector, while strengthening institutional capacity, regional cooperation, and investment readiness. The project is implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and funded by the European Union (EU).
