Industry gathering to focus on ocean security and economic development

Africa’s maritime domain has vast potential for wealth creation and while traditional maritime activities have intensified and developed, a collaborative effort from all AU member states is necessary to achieve a secure environment for this blue economy to flourish. This is according to Richard Stubbs, event director of the upcoming Maritime Africa conference and exhibition, which is taking place at the CTICC in Cape Town from 23-24 November.

“Maritime Africa is the largest naval and maritime event on the continent”, says Richard Stubbs, adding: “we create a unique learning and networking opportunity for role-players concerned with a safe, secure and sustainable African maritime domain. African leaders and global experts from the military, government, defence industry, law enforcement, marine manufacture and maintenance, commercial shipping and offshore extractive industries will gather in Cape Town to share knowledge and experiences for future growth”. 

First Phase of Operation Phakisa
South African President Jacob Zuma has earmarked South Africa’s oceans as the first phase of Operation Phakisa to unlock the economic potential of the country’s “blue economy” and stimulate investment, development and job creation. Sectors that are in focus are fisheries, aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, marine transport, manufacturing and repairs. South Africa is uniquely bordered by the ocean on three sides – east, south and west, and the coastline is approximately 3 924km long. It is estimated that the ocean has the potential to contribute up to R177 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product. In 2010, the oceans contributed approximately R54 billion to GDP and accounted for approximately 316 000 jobs.

Maritime Africa conference programme highlights:
Event theme: “Enabling a secure maritime domain for the ocean economy to flourish”

Conference day 1: Monday, 23 November
Building Security African Maritime Sustainability

Regional Maritime Security Threats – Indian Ocean
-   Commodore Seshadri Vasan, Head, Strategy and Security Studies, Centre for Asia Studies, India, Director Chennai Centre for China Studies, Director, Asian Secretariat World Boderpol  

Update on coalition operations in the Indian Ocean and the importance of partnerships for maritime security.
-   Commodore Will Warrender, Royal Navy, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Force (DCCMF), (30 nations strong with three task forces), based in Bahrain.

Comprehensive maritime security – enabling economic growth and human development
Holistic maritime security and the relationship between economic / human security on land and stability at sea
-   Tim Walker, Researcher, Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa  

Mass casualty evacuation at sea – is South Africa prepared to deal with a large incident off the coast?
-   Dr Cleeve Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, NSRI, South Africa  

Public-private partnerships (PPP) cooperation
-   Capt Chris Rawley, Center for International Maritime Security, United States of America

Panel Discussion: Defining an African model for security coordination
Interactive panel discussion aimed at identifying the way forward in African maritime domain awareness and maritime security coordination. 

Conference day 2: Tuesday, 24 November
Unlocking the potential in the South African ocean economy
Includes sessions dedicated to:
- Offshore oil and gas exploration
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Marine transport, manufacturing and repair

Panel discussion: Navigating the future of Africa’s integrated maritime strategy  

Latest technologies on show
The Maritime Africa exhibition will showcase leading technologies and services by more than 70 exhibitors from across the globe. Exhibitor categories include: ship construction and repair, small craft, surveillance aircrafts, unmanned vessels, propulsion and energy systems, C4ISR, navigation, port and harbour support, search, rescue and safety equipment, munitions.

Already the conference and expo is enjoying great support from the industry with Paramount Naval Systems / Nautic Africa confirmed as platinum sponsors with Denel and SAAB on board as gold sponsors. Other well-known names who will be there include Armscor, Damen, ECA Group, MTU, Reutech and Marine Data Solutions.

The annual Maritime Africa will incorporate Maritime & Coastal Security Africa, formerly a bi-annual event, and is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.

Event dates and location:
Conference and expo:  23-24 November 2015
Location:  CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa
Website:  http://www.maritimeafrica.co.za

Contact: Communications manager:  Annemarie Roodbol
Telephone:  +27 21 700 3558
Mobile:  +27 82 562 7844
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.