Tanzania eyes safer waters, blue economy boost via EU initiative

“With Safe Seas for Africa, the EU is building Tanzania’s ability to protect its maritime resources, fight sea-based crime and lead regional security efforts,” said EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau.

She noted that the programme goes beyond funding ships and radars.

It is focused on establishing a sustainable, regionally led maritime security system that benefits citizens and coastal economies.

Tanzania, with its extensive Indian Ocean coastline and growing maritime economy, stands to gain significantly.

The country is a key regional trade hub but faces increasing threats such as smuggling, illegal fishing and marine pollution.

“These threats have real consequences for coastal communities. Safer seas mean greater protection for Tanzanian fishermen and stronger economic resilience,” Ms Grau said.

The programme addresses five priority threats. Piracy; drug and arms trafficking; illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; human trafficking; and marine pollution.

Analysts say over 90 percent of regional drug smuggling now occurs by sea, while IUU fishing results in losses worth hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Targeted support for Tanzania

Tanzania will receive tailored technical assistance to improve its maritime law enforcement and governance systems.

This includes capacity building for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tasac), the navy, customs, immigration and other relevant institutions.

The programme also promotes legal reforms that ensure maritime offenders are prosecuted under harmonised laws across the region, a concept known as ‘legal finish’.

Additional support includes equipment and training to enhance maritime surveillance and investigation capabilities.

Tanzania is also receiving assistance in drafting a National Maritime Security Strategy aligned with regional frameworks.

To boost coordination, efforts are underway to link Tanzania’s National Joint Operations Centre (NJOC) with regional centres like the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles.

Both centres were established with EU support.

Once fully connected, Tanzania will have access to real-time maritime intelligence, early warning systems, and the ability to conduct joint operations with neighbouring countries and international forces such as the EU Naval Force.

“Maritime security today involves more than just chasing pirates. It is about effective governance, legal enforcement, and regional cooperation,” said a Tanzanian legal expert involved in the reforms.

“Our future depends on protecting our ocean.”

The EU has clarified that its funding is catalytic.

The ultimate goal is to help countries take full ownership of maritime security reforms, ensuring long-term impact even after external support ends.

One of the EU’s key goals is to enable Tanzania to tap into the full economic potential of its blue economy, including fisheries, maritime logistics, offshore energy, and coastal tourism.

Call for political will and local engagement

Despite progress, Tanzania has not yet deployed liaison officers to the regional coordination centres in Madagascar and Seychelles.

This step is seen as crucial for full participation in information sharing and joint operations.

“The Djibouti Code of Conduct provides the agreed framework for regional cooperation,” said Ms Grau.

“But for it to function, each country must commit to playing its part.”

The EU also encourages greater involvement of civil society, especially in coastal areas.

Local communities can help detect early warning signs of threats like oil spills, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.

Public education campaigns are being launched to raise awareness of these crimes, which often go unreported but cause severe damage to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.

In the long term, Safe Seas for Africa aims to improve security while enabling economic growth and stronger regional integration.

“The ocean does not recognise national borders, and neither do the criminals who exploit it,” the EU Ambassador added.

“We must work together to keep our seas safe and our economies thriving.”