Dar es Salaam / London. Tanzania has signed a new agreement with Qatar that is expected to open more job opportunities for Tanzanian seafarers and strengthen cooperation in the maritime transport sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates was signed on Monday in London, on the sidelines of the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, maritime leaders and international stakeholders.
Tanzania was represented by the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Mr Mohamed Malick Salum, while Qatar’s delegation was led by Engineer Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Sulait, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport.
According to TASAC, the agreement aims to harmonise certification standards and ease procedures for Tanzanian seafarers seeking employment on Qatari-registered or Qatari-operated vessels.
“This MoU marks a significant step in strengthening our maritime relations with Qatar,” said Mr Salum.
“It ensures that Tanzanian seafarers’ qualifications are recognised without unnecessary repetition of validation processes, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the global labour market.”
Officials say the pact is expected to increase employment opportunities abroad for Tanzanian professionals in the maritime sector, many of whom face administrative barriers when seeking work on foreign vessels.
Beyond easing movement of labour, the agreement also commits both countries to enhancing safety standards, professional competence and overall quality in the seafaring profession.
The MoU is also expected to stimulate growth in local maritime training, as broader international recognition of Tanzania’s certification system will strengthen the credibility of its training institutions.
Engineer Al-Sulait said the partnership reflects Qatar’s interest in expanding technical cooperation with African maritime nations.
“Qatar welcomes the contribution of Tanzanian seafarers, who bring strong skills and professionalism. This agreement will support knowledge exchange and strengthen ties between our countries,” he noted.
The cooperation is seen as part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to increase the global mobility of its maritime workforce and position the country as a stronger participant in international shipping.
Officials say the next phase will involve implementation frameworks, including joint committees, skills alignment, and continued dialogue between maritime authorities of both nations.
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