African countries have struggled to address complex maritime threats. PHOTO/ AI generated/Open AI.. By ANDREW MWANGURA. [email protected]. Africa’s extensive coastline, which stretches over 18,950 miles, presents both great opportunity and significant vulnerability. As global powers increasingly focus on Africa’s maritime resources and strategic sea lanes, the lack of a cohesive naval strategy for the continent has become a glaring security gap.. It is time for the African Union to establish a unified naval force—a dedicated AU Navy—to protect the continent’s maritime interests and contribute to regional stability.. The statistics paint a concerning picture. According to the International Maritime Bureau, the Gulf of Guinea consistently ranks as one of the world’s most perilous regions for piracy and armed robbery. In 2023 alone, over 90 percent of global maritime kidnappings occurred in West African waters.. At the same time, illegal fishing costs West African nations approximately $2.3 billion annually, and the illegal dumping of toxic waste continues to jeopardise coastal ecosystems.. These challenges are further complicated by the growing presence of foreign military forces in African waters. China’s naval base in Djibouti, French military installations across West Africa, and expanded Russian maritime activity all signal a new “scramble” for Africa—one focused on its blue economy and strategic sea routes.. Individual African nations have struggled to address these complex maritime threats. Even regional powers such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt maintain naval forces largely concerned with their territorial waters and lack the capacity to project power across the continent’s maritime domain.. The case for an AU Navy goes beyond traditional security concerns. Africa’s blue economy—including fisheries, offshore oil and gas, maritime transport, and tourism—represents a largely untapped resource with the potential to drive economic transformation across the continent.. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 explicitly recognises the blue economy as a major contributor to the continent’s transformation and growth. Yet, without a comprehensive maritime security strategy, these economic ambitions remain vulnerable to disruption.. An AU Navy would not only secure vital maritime trade routes but also provide the necessary framework for the sustainable exploitation of maritime resources. By coordinating maritime patrols and surveillance operations, the force could significantly curb illegal fishing and environmental crimes, preserving these resources for legitimate African enterprises.. Building an AU Navy would not require starting from scratch. It could build upon existing regional maritime security frameworks developed by organisations such as ECOWAS, SADC, and the East African Community, thus providing a solid foundation for the continental force.. A digital painting of an aircraft carrier sailing through calm ocean waters at sunset. IMAGE/AI generated/Chat gtp.. The AU Navy could operate on a tiered structure:. A standing naval command headquartered at the African Union, responsible for strategic planning and coordination.. Regional fleet commands aligned with Africa’s existing regional economic communities.. Specialist units dedicated to counter-piracy, fisheries protection, and environmental monitoring.. Funding such an initiative will undoubtedly be challenging, but there are creative avenues that could be explored. A dedicated percentage of maritime revenue—from port fees, fishing licenses, and offshore resource extraction—could be allocated to sustain the force.. Additionally, public-private partnerships with both African and international shipping companies, who stand to benefit from secure sea lanes, could provide supplementary funding.. Critics may argue that an AU Navy would duplicate the efforts of existing national naval forces or infringe upon national sovereignty. However, the force should be seen as complementary to national assets, focusing on transnational threats while respecting the maritime boundaries of individual nations.. Others may question whether military solutions are appropriate for what are fundamentally economic and governance challenges. This perspective, however, overlooks the reality that sustainable economic development in Africa’s maritime domain cannot take place without the foundation of basic security.. An AU Navy would provide that foundation, allowing better governance and economic models to flourish.. The establishment of an African Union Navy would not only serve as a security imperative but also as a bold declaration of Africa’s commitment to controlling its maritime destiny.. For far too long, external powers have been allowed to shape the security architecture of African waters. An AU Navy would send a clear message that Africa is determined to secure its maritime interests while contributing to global maritime security.. The challenges are indeed considerable, but the potential benefits—improved maritime security, sustainable resource management, and economic growth—far outweigh the costs.. As the African Continental Free Trade Area takes shape, securing maritime corridors becomes increasingly crucial for achieving continental economic integration.. African leaders must show the political will to move from rhetoric to concrete action. The first step should be convening a dedicated AU summit on maritime security, with the specific aim of developing an implementation roadmap for an African Union Navy.. The waters surrounding Africa hold immense promise for the continent’s future. It is time for Africa to safeguard these waters with a naval force that reflects its growing confidence and aspirations. The security of Africa’s blue economy depends on it.. Andrew Mwangura is a maritime security analyst specialising in African maritime affairs.
