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Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward strengthening its maritime education and workforce development following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) and delegates from the Philippines.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director of SLMA, during the 111th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London, England.
The MoU is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Sierra Leone’s maritime workforce and expanding employment opportunities for young Sierra Leonean seafarers aboard international vessels. The Philippines is widely recognised as a global leader in maritime education, with more than 80 institutions dedicated to maritime training and studies.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by SLMA’s Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Ibrahim Wurie, and Sheik Mohamed Kabba, Alternate Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the IMO.
The latest agreement forms part of broader efforts by SLMA to strengthen maritime education partnerships. In February 2026, Dr. Kaitibi also signed a separate MoU with Njala University to formalise collaboration in the development and promotion of maritime education and training within the university’s academic programmes.
That earlier agreement seeks to align maritime courses at Njala University with SLMA guidelines and international Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements. It also aims to enhance institutional capacity, research, and workforce development within Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.
Speaking in London, Dr. Kaitibi underscored the urgent need to expand maritime education capacity in Sierra Leone. He called on the Philippines to consider investing in a dedicated maritime training institution in the country or partnering with local universities and colleges to support sector development.
He emphasized that such collaboration would play a key role in building a skilled maritime workforce capable of meeting international standards and increasing employment opportunities for Sierra Leonean seafarers.
