Tanzania is stepping up its maritime ambitions, and the UK and IMO are stepping in to help. This week, Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez in London to discuss deepening cooperation on maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and capacity building. The meeting underscores Tanzania’s push to strengthen its strategic position in the Indian Ocean—a move that could reshape East African maritime dynamics.
Kombo made it clear: Tanzania isn’t just looking for partnerships; it’s looking for transformation. “We recognize the IMO as a key partner in strengthening Tanzania’s maritime sector in line with global standards,” he stated, emphasizing marine conservation and the critical role of ports in global trade. This isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about positioning Tanzania as a regional maritime hub, with the UK and IMO as key enablers.
The IMO’s response was equally decisive. Secretary-General Domínguez praised Tanzania’s engagement and pledged support in maritime training, job creation, governance, and carbon emission reduction. But the real meat lies in the specifics: technical support for seafarers, stronger maritime institutions, and aligning Tanzania’s blue economy strategy with the IMO’s green and digital maritime vision. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about future-proofing Tanzania’s maritime sector for a low-carbon, tech-driven future.
The timing is strategic. Tanzania’s push comes as East Africa’s maritime sector heats up, with ports like Dar es Salaam and Tanga becoming increasingly vital for regional trade. By deepening ties with the UK and IMO, Tanzania is signaling its intent to lead—not just in infrastructure, but in sustainability and digital innovation. The UK, meanwhile, is reinforcing its role as a maritime partner beyond Europe, leveraging its historical ties with Tanzania to shape a greener, more efficient shipping sector.
This isn’t just about one country or one ocean. It’s about setting a precedent for how emerging maritime nations can partner with global institutions to drive change. Tanzania’s ambition to become a leading maritime nation in East Africa isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about sustainable ocean governance. And with the UK and IMO on board, the ripple effects could stretch far beyond the Indian Ocean.