Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Namibian Ports Authority to exchange expertise in port development and maritime training. The deal aims to strengthen cooperation in marine construction and the sale or leasing of marine units. Chairperson Osama Rabie affirmed the authority’s readiness to expand into African markets.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Namibian Ports Authority on Wednesday at its headquarters in Ismailia. The agreement focuses on assisting Namibia with port development and providing advanced maritime training through SCA’s academies. SCA Chairperson Osama Rabie stated that the cooperation would be “fruitful and constructive,” underscoring the authority’s strategy to extend its projects abroad. He highlighted SCA’s recent success in developing and reopening Libya’s Sirte port after a 14-year closure, calling it a “successful first step” for such initiatives.
Namibian Ports Authority Chairperson Nangiola Hamyunela said the partnership would bolster an ambitious development plan for Namibia’s ports, described as the largest in West Africa. She emphasized that leveraging SCA’s advanced technology and experience would speed up efforts, enabling Namibia to draw on regional strengths instead of relying on foreign expertise from other continents.
Rabie instructed full support to initiate practical cooperation, relying on SCA’s integrated system of shipyards and logistical services. The MoU was signed by Neshat Nasr El-Din, SCA’s Director of Movements, and Andreas Kanime, CEO of the Namibian Ports Authority. The ceremony was attended by SCA Vice Chairman Ashraf Atwa, board members, and engineer Abdel Hakim Abdel Nasser.
After the signing, the Namibian delegation inspected a range of marine units produced by SCA shipyards, visited the floating pontoon and concrete buoy factory at the Canal Harbour and Great Projects Company, and toured the maritime training and simulation academy.