Between 2021-2025, the UNODC has supported PSP beneficiary countries in reviewing the sanction regime of the port security legal frameworks. 35 legal measures have been implemented in the region.
However, challenges remain high, including:
- lack of coordination at national level leading to fragmented approaches;
- agencies rivalries;
- inaccurate statistical records;
- lengthy investigations;
- unpreserved chain of custody and political instability.
Progress made by countries
Noteworthy progress is made by countries in their legal frameworks, e.g. the approval of Angolan Law 5/20, seizure of undeclared commercial cargo in Comoros, the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Order 2026 on fees for clearing and forwarding services, the enaction of the the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Security) Regulations by Kenya Maritime Authority, amendment of Seychelles Criminal code to allow prosecution of organized syndicate crimes, which frequently target port logistics as well as its Anti-Trafficking & AML Alignment and a draft maritime authority bill in Namibia.
Through the Cargo Control Programme, the UNODC has successfully established Port Control Units (PCUs) in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Comoros. New ones have been established in Angola and Mauritius. A new PCU will be established in Toamasina.
Capacity building
To strenghten capacities, the UNODC has provided equipments, such as:
- TruNarc Scanners,
- Handheld backscatter X-ray imagers and metal detectors,
- luggage and walk-through scanners
A regional training is planned for Q4 2026 on the use of the equipment.
Finally, with regards to Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), the UNODC supports PSP countries in developing SOPs on First Responder Crime Scene Management for ports, waterside, and maritime environments in coordination with IMO.
