27/04/2026
MOESNA Engages with IALA to Advance Maritime Safety and Aids to Navigation Capacity.
Representing the Secretary General of MOESNA, Mr. Jonah Mumbya, the Programs Manager, Ports and Shipping Services, participated as an observer at the proceedings of the Aids to Navigation Requirements and Management (ARM) Committee of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) on 25th April 2026, held at its headquarters in Paris, France.
The ARM Committee plays a critical role within IALA, serving as a technical organ responsible for supporting the development of international standards, guidelines, and recommendations related to aids to navigation (AtoN). Its work supports safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maritime navigation by addressing AtoN Planning and Service Requirements, risk management approaches, and developing model courses and certification modalities among others.
On the sidelines of the Committee sessions, Mr. Mumbya held strategic bilateral discussions with the Deputy Secretary-General of IALA, Mr. Omar Frits Eriksson, and his senior technical team. The discussions focused on emerging risks affecting maritime safety, security, and the marine environment, and underscored the urgent need to strengthen capacity in aids to navigation across Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa.
Both delegations emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance technical capabilities, including training, knowledge transfer, and the conduct of joint missions aimed at improving the implementation and management of AtoN systems in the MOESNA region. As an organization mandated to set global standards in this field, IALA highlighted the importance of inclusive participation by all states, including African countries, in shaping international frameworks and ensuring their effective application.
The engagement reaffirmed the strong and growing collaboration between MOESNA and IALA, with both parties expressing their commitment to deepening cooperation in support of safer navigation, strengthened maritime governance, and the protection of the marine environment.
MOESNA continues to prioritize partnerships with key international organizations to support regional integration, capacity development, and alignment with global maritime standards.
IALA