Africa faces shortage of qualified seafarers despite global demand

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A new report by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) reveals a significant underrepresentation of African seafarers in the global maritime industry. Only 78,000, or a mere 7.8%, of the over 1 million certified seafarers working on international merchant ships hail from Nigeria and other African nations.

This concerning statistic was highlighted by ITF Africa Regional Secretary Safiyanu Muhammed during a recent working visit to Lagos. The purpose of the visit, which included meetings with the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, was to address challenges faced by African seafarers and explore ways to enhance their participation in the global shipping industry.

Muhammed emphasized the stark contrast between Africa and established seafaring nations like the Philippines and India. He further noted that the International Maritime Employers Council is actively seeking to employ African seafarers, but the current lack of qualified personnel is a major hurdle.

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“Among the statistics that I have, roughly about 1 million certified seamen that we have globally, only 78,000 are Africans. You can’t compare this number with what we have in the Philippines and India, not to talk of Ukraine.

“We have ships doing business here but you see foreigners working on board. Why? I understand there is a policy for a waiver but why do you have to give waivers when you have capable Nigerians that can do the job,” he noted.

This situation presents a missed opportunity for both African nations and the global shipping industry. By investing in training programs and addressing potential barriers to entry, Africa could unlock a significant pool of talent to meet the growing demand for qualified seafarers.