The East African Community (EAC) has called for the development and expansion of inland waterway transport as a key driver of sustainable economic growth. During a side event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, EAC Deputy Secretary-General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Andrea Ariik, highlighted the immense potential of inland waterways to revolutionize the region’s transport infrastructure while contributing to environmental sustainability.
The event, hosted by the EAC Secretariat in partnership with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), was attended by various stakeholders, including key figures such as Kenya’s Principal Secretary for EAC, Abdi Dubat, and moderated by Coletha Ruhamya, the Deputy Executive Secretary of LVBC. Ariik took the opportunity to emphasize the significant economic and environmental benefits of inland waterway transport for East Africa, particularly in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, both of which are pressing concerns in the fight against climate change.
The Promise of Eco-Friendly Transportation
Ariik made a compelling case for inland waterways as a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport like road and rail. He pointed out that waterway transport is not only highly energy-efficient consuming up to six times less energy than road transport but also significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. This makes it a vital component in East Africa’s efforts to lower its carbon footprint, especially at a time when climate change concerns dominate global conversations.
Moreover, inland waterway transport offers clear economic advantages. According to Ariik, it can reduce transport costs by up to 60% compared to road and rail, making it an affordable and viable option for transporting bulk goods and commodities across the region. He also noted that waterways provide a more predictable and flexible transport solution with fewer interruptions, ideal for the movement of specialized goods and ensuring steady regional trade flow.
Progress and Developments in Inland Waterways
The EAC region has made significant strides in improving its inland waterway infrastructure. Ariik highlighted several key projects that have transformed the sector, including the renovation of major ports on Lake Victoria, such as Kisumu (Kenya), Mwanza (Tanzania), and Port Bell (Uganda). He also pointed to the construction of Uganda’s Bukasa Port and the rehabilitation of key vessels like MV Uhuru I and II. These upgrades have not only improved the navigability of Lake Victoria but have also unlocked new opportunities for regional trade, potentially generating up to $60 billion annually.
Additionally, the introduction of fuel tankers like MT Kabaka Mutebi II and MT Elgon has reduced the number of fuel trucks on the roads, lowering pollution and easing congestion. These efforts underscore the EAC’s commitment to developing sustainable transport solutions that not only foster economic growth but also promote environmental conservation.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the progress made, Ariik acknowledged that the inland waterway sector still faces significant challenges. These include insufficient investment in infrastructure, outdated navigational aids, and a lack of skilled personnel to operate and maintain the systems. He stressed that overcoming these hurdles would require increased collaboration among EAC member states, development partners, and the private sector. Public-private partnerships were identified as crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring the long-term success of inland waterway transport.
Ariik also emphasized the untapped potential of other regional waterways, particularly the Akagera and Nile rivers, which could further enhance connectivity, especially for landlocked countries like Rwanda and South Sudan. Developing these waterways could open up new avenues for regional trade and contribute to the overall economic growth of the continent.
A Call for Action
In his closing remarks, Ariik called on delegates at COP29 to champion the development of inland waterway transport as a core part of East Africa’s sustainable development strategy. He urged stakeholders to learn from global best practices and secure sustainable financing models to unlock the full potential of this eco-friendly transport mode. With the region’s natural resources and waterways offering a transformative opportunity, the time to act is now. Inland waterways, Ariik concluded, must become a central pillar of East Africa’s growth and sustainability agenda.
The push for inland waterway transport reflects the EAC’s broader vision of building a sustainable and resilient economy. As the world grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable solutions, the East African region is positioning itself as a leader in the promotion of green transport alternatives.
