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The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt.
The engagement was marked by an official visit of a distinguished delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Dr. Daniel Bobson Kitibi, Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s Maritime Administration. The delegation was received by H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT, at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Qir, Alexandria.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to enhance collaboration in the fields of maritime education, training, environmental protection, and sustainable maritime development, offering extensive support to the SLMA in upgrading its technical and academic competencies.
During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on expanding institutional cooperation, facilitating knowledge transfer, and supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop a modern and resilient maritime sector. The Academy also presented its global educational footprint, detailing its campuses both inside and outside Egypt and its ongoing collaborations with several leading international maritime institutions.
The formal signing of the cooperation protocol symbolizes a mutual commitment to fostering academic and professional exchange, promoting best practices in maritime operations, and strengthening regulatory frameworks in line with international standards.
Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for: Training and certification of seafarers in accordance with IMO standards, technical assistance and curriculum development, Joint research and environmental sustainability projects, and Capacity building in marine safety, port management, and maritime law.
Dr. Abdel Ghafar emphasized the Arab Academy’s readiness to support Sierra Leone in developing qualified maritime personnel and building institutional capabilities, reiterating the Academy’s role as a regional and international hub for maritime education and excellence.
Following the protocol signing, the Sierra Leonean delegation conducted an extensive tour of AASTMT’s advanced maritime facilities.
Finally, 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.
