Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) signed Wednesday a memorandum of understanding with the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) to cooperate on port development, marine construction and maritime training, as Cairo moves to expand its commercial and technical presence across Africa. The agreement was signed at the authority's headquarters in Ismailia and witnessed by SCA Chairman Osama Rabie and Namport Chairperson Nangula Hamunyela. The MoU provides for the exchange of expertise in marine construction works, the sale and chartering of marine units, and advanced maritime training through the Suez Canal Authority's training and simulation academies. Rabie said the authority is ready to begin cooperation immediately, citing its strategy to open new markets and deepen engagement with African partners as it expands overseas projects. He pointed to the recent redevelopment and reopening of Libya's Port of Sirte after 14 years of closure as a model for successful external cooperation. He added that the SCA will provide full support and streamline procedures to launch joint projects, noting that the authority operates an integrated maritime and logistics services platform through its shipyards and affiliated companies. Hamunyela said the agreement reflects the strength of Egypt–Namibia relations and will support Namibia's plans to develop its ports, which she described as among the largest in West Africa. She said the partnership would allow Namibia to benefit from the SCA's capabilities in marine manufacturing, construction and training. She added that the SCA's technology and experience could help accelerate port development in Namibia and reduce reliance on expertise imported from outside the African continent. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
