PSP Newsletter – Aug. 2026 | Foreword by Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard

The Port Security and Safety of Navigation Programme (PSP) for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) has reached a pivotal stage. After four years of implementation, the programme is on track for successful completion in December 2026, having supported 9 beneficiary countries in strengthening their port security capacities. Its achievements include reinforcing legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing the prevention, surveillance and response capabilities of competent authorities, and improving information-sharing mechanisms to ensure safer management of cargo and passenger traffic.

These achievements are the result of a strong multi-stakeholder partnership. Implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) with the support of the European Union, the PSP has drawn on the complementary technical expertise of INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Each partner has brought its unique strengths in law enforcement, combating illicit trafficking and advancing international maritime standards. This combination of expertise has enabled the programme to address, in a coherent and sustainable manner, a broad range of challenges – from port security and the resilience of supply chains to technological modernisation.

The fifth Steering Committee meeting, held on 23 July 2026 in Port Louis, Mauritius, provided partners and beneficiary countries with an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and to identify priorities for the future. The programme’s independent evaluation delivers an important message for all of us: the EA-SA-IO region must strengthen its resilience in the face of geopolitical shifts that are profoundly reshaping the maritime and port security landscape. Safeguarding cargo, protecting critical infrastructure, addressing cyber threats, combating illicit trafficking and accelerating technological modernisation all require policies, partnerships and operational strategies commensurate with the challenges ahead.

This ambition will take concrete shape at the Ministerial Conference on Port Security and Safety of Navigation, to be jointly organised by the IOC and the European Union in December 2026 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. On that occasion, a Regional Port Security Policy will be submitted for endorsement by the countries of the region.

As it has done throughout the PSP, the IOC will continue to serve as a facilitator of cooperation and diplomatic dialogue, bringing together countries and technical and financial partners around the shared objective of securing maritime routes and ocean spaces through the Regional Maritime Security Architecture that it promotes. Achieving this vision also means developing ports that are more competitive, more resilient, more secure and more sustainable.

I am confident that the experience gained through the PSP over the past four years will provide valuable guidance for policymakers, maritime professionals and all stakeholders as they look ahead. Together with our partners – INTERPOL, UNODC, IMO and the European Union – we firmly believe in our collective ability to build on these achievements and foster a network of ports and a maritime domain that are sustainably secure, resilient and fully aligned with regional and international standards.