Alexandria, Egypt – August 26, 2025 The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has taken a major step toward strengthening its maritime sector through a newly signed Protocol of Cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Egypt.

The agreement was formalized during an official visit by a high-level Sierra Leonean delegation led by SLMA Executive Director, Dr. Daniel Bobson Kitibi. The team was received by H.E. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, President of AASTMT, at the Academy’s headquarters in Abu Qir, Alexandria.

The partnership is set to deepen collaboration in key areas such as maritime education, training, environmental protection, and sustainable development. It also aims to boost SLMA’s technical and academic capacity in line with international standards.

Among the senior AASTMT officials present were 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 IMO Complex; Dr. Mohamed El-Abbasi, Head of the Maritime Examinations System; and Captain Majid Abdo, Dean of the Institute of Maritime Rehabilitation Studies.

Discussions centered on expanding institutional cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a modern, responsive maritime sector. The Academy also highlighted its global footprint and partnerships with leading international institutions.

The signed protocol outlines several priority areas:

  • Training and certification of seafarers under IMO standards
  • Technical assistance and curriculum development
  • Joint research and sustainability initiatives
  • Capacity building in marine safety, port management, and maritime law

Dr. Abdel Ghafar reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s maritime ambitions, describing AASTMT as a regional hub for excellence in maritime education.

Following the signing, the SLMA delegation toured AASTMT’s state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • 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 offered firsthand insight into the Academy’s advanced training infrastructure and innovative teaching methods.

Dr. Kitibi expressed deep appreciation for the Academy’s hospitality and collaborative spirit. “This partnership is a milestone for Sierra Leone’s maritime future,” he said. “We believe this cooperation will unlock new opportunities for our seafarers and professionals.”

Both parties concluded by reaffirming their shared commitment to using maritime education as a driver of economic growth, environmental stewardship, and safer maritime operations across Africa and beyond.

 

For more information, please contact:

Public Relations Unit

Sierra Leone Maritime Administration

Email: [email protected]