By- Mahmoud Kamara
Government Information Officer – MoTA
Alexandria, Egypt – August 26, 2025
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its maritime capacity and human resource development by signing a comprehensive Protocol of Cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt.
The high-level engagement was marked by an official visit of a distinguished delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Dr. Daniel Bobson Kitibi, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone’s Maritime Administration. The delegation was received by H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT, at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Qir, Alexandria.
This strategic partnership aims to enhance collaboration in the fields of maritime education, training, environmental protection, and sustainable maritime development, offering extensive support to the SLMA in upgrading its technical and academic competencies.
The meeting saw the participation of senior AASTMT officials, including Dr. Yasser El-Sunbati, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Dr. Mohy El-Sayeh, Dean of the College of Maritime Transport; Captain Emad Khafaji, Dean of the International Maritime Organization Complex; Dr. Mohamed El-Abbasi, Head of the Maritime Examinations System; and Captain Majid Abdo, Dean of the Institute of Maritime Rehabilitation Studies.
During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on expanding institutional cooperation, facilitating knowledge transfer, and supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop a modern and resilient maritime sector. The Academy also presented its global educational footprint, detailing its campuses both inside and outside Egypt and its ongoing collaborations with several leading international maritime institutions.
The formal signing of the cooperation protocol symbolizes a mutual commitment to fostering academic and professional exchange, promoting best practices in maritime operations, and strengthening regulatory frameworks in line with international standards.
The agreement includes provisions for:
- Training and certification of seafarers in accordance with IMO standards
- Technical assistance and curriculum development
- Joint research and environmental sustainability projects
- Capacity building in marine safety, port management, and maritime law
Dr. Abdel Ghafar emphasized the Arab Academy’s readiness to support Sierra Leone in developing qualified maritime personnel and building institutional capabilities, reiterating the Academy’s role as a regional and international hub for maritime education and excellence.
Following the protocol signing, the Sierra Leonean delegation conducted an extensive tour of AASTMT’s advanced maritime facilities. Accompanied by Captain Majid Abdo, the delegation visited:
- The College of Maritime Transport and Technology
- The Integrated Simulation Complex
- The Heavenly Dome Center
- The Institute of Maritime Rehabilitation Studies
- The Engineering Workshops
These visits showcased the Academy’s hands-on training infrastructure, modern simulation equipment, and innovative educational methods used to prepare maritime professionals to meet global demands.
Dr. Daniel Bobson Kitibi expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Abdel Ghafar and the Academy’s leadership for the warm reception and the spirit of cooperation shown throughout the visit. He commended AASTMT for its state-of-the-art facilities and its role in equipping students with both theoretical and practical expertise.
“This partnership is a milestone for Sierra Leone’s maritime future,” said Dr. Kitibi. “We are confident that this cooperation with the Arab Academy will significantly enhance our capabilities and open new opportunities for our seafarers and maritime professionals.”
In conclusion, both parties reaffirmed their shared vision of leveraging maritime education and training to drive economic development, ensure environmental stewardship, and promote safer, more efficient maritime operations across Africa and beyond.
