(Baku, Azerbaijan) – East African Community (EAC) Partner States are promoting inland waterway transport (IWT) as a sustainable alternative to road and rail systems, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost regional trade and integration.
Speaking during a COP29 side event in Baku, Azerbaijan, EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Andrea Aguer Ariik, emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of waterway transport. Ariik noted that IWT uses six times less energy than road transport and produces significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to both road and rail. He added that this mode of transport is highly efficient for moving bulk goods over short distances with minimal interruptions.
With enhanced infrastructure on Lake Victoria, Ariik projected annual trade in the region could grow to USD 60 billion, alongside increased tourism opportunities. The EAC has already made strides in improving inland water transport by renovating key ports such as Kisumu, Mwanza, and Port Bell, as well as constructing the new Bukasa port in Uganda.
| Key Developments in EAC Inland Waterways | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Renovations | Kisumu, Mwanza, and Port Bell |
| New Infrastructure | Construction of Bukasa port in Uganda |
| Vessel Rehabilitation | MV Uhuru I, MV Umoja, MV Victoria, MV Butiama |
| New Vessels | MV Mwanza, MV Uhuru II |
| Fuel Tankers | MT Kabaka Mutebi II, MT Elgon (10 million liters combined capacity) |
| Reduced Fuel Trucks on Roads | Approximately 300 fuel trucks removed by tankers transporting fuel by water |
| Additional Investments | Modernized dry-docking facilities, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres |
Ariik highlighted the launch of tankers MT Kabaka Mutebi II and MT Elgon as significant milestones, with their combined capacity of 10 million liters easing fuel transport between Kisumu and Port Bell. This initiative has notably reduced road congestion and pollution by eliminating around 300 fuel trucks from the roads.
Other waterways, such as the Akagera River, which connects Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, and the Nile River, spanning 11 African nations, hold untapped potential for regional integration and economic growth. Ariik stated that their development for navigation could unlock Africa’s natural resources and foster prosperity.
Despite these advancements, Ariik acknowledged challenges, including outdated navigation aids, inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and a lack of skilled personnel. The absence of a unified regional regulatory framework also hinders progress. He urged collaboration among development partners, the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), and other stakeholders to address these barriers.
The session was moderated by LVBC Deputy Executive Secretary Eng. Coletha Ruhamya and featured insights from high-ranking officials, including EAC Principal Secretary Abdi Dubat, African Development Bank Manager Marco Yagamuchi, African Union Commission Senior Policy Officer Dr. Raissa Ada Allogo, and TradeMark Africa Acting Country Director (Kenya) Dr. Hannah Ngugi.
The panelists agreed that inland waterways could significantly contribute to the EAC’s economic and environmental goals.
| Comparative Energy Consumption and Emissions | Mode of Transport | Energy Consumption | Carbon Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) | Water Transport | 6x less than road | Significantly lower |
| Road Transport | Land Transport | Higher than IWT | Higher emissions |
| Rail Transport | Rail Transport | 2x more than IWT | Lower than road |
Other panelists included EAC Principal Civil Engineer Eng. Godfrey Enzama and MOESNA Transport Expert Jonah Mumbya.