Africa cannot depend on foreign forces to defend her waters

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MV Faina when it was released by Pirates in 2015. [File, Standard]

Africa can no longer rely on foreign powers to safeguard its vast maritime domain, maritime experts have said, urging governments to invest in stronger navies, modern surveillance technology and regional cooperation to protect the continent's growing blue economy.

The call gained momentum during the Sea Power for Africa Symposium (SPAS) 2026 in Nigeria, where the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, challenged African nations to build indigenous maritime security capabilities instead of depending on external partners.

Recenty, calls for African-led solutions to solve maritime security challenges facing the continent have been rife in major maritime meets.