Maritime security is an increasingly vital concern for many African nations, prompting the need for indigenous maritime capabilities to address regional challenges. Twiga Services & Logistics, a manufacturer of rugged military patrol boats, will emphasize this need during the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 Conference at Air Force Base Waterkloof. CEO Damian de Lange is set to participate in a panel discussion on September 20, focusing on regional maritime security and the importance of cooperative initiatives among African countries.
In his remarks, de Lange stressed that both the broader African region, as recognized by the United Nations, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) face significant maritime security challenges. These include illegal trade, human trafficking, and direct confrontations over sovereignty, all of which threaten not only security but also economic development and human rights. Such maritime threats are frequently overshadowed by other issues but are continuous risks that undermine national interests. As such, addressing these challenges requires both time and financial investment.
Since its establishment in 2012, Twiga has partnered with various African clients to provide innovative water-platform solutions aimed at enhancing local capabilities to confront these threats. De Lange highlighted a rising demand for more powerful maritime vessels, particularly due to escalating conflicts where borders are defined by rivers and lakes. Twiga has responded to this demand by developing larger and more powerful boats, including the recently unveiled 920 Gun Boat, which will be showcased at the conference.
De Lange advocates for African nations to cultivate their own maritime expertise, suggesting that reliance on costly imports—often from former colonial powers—can lead to a detrimental dependency. In South Africa, he insists that policymakers must operationalize their strategies by investing in domestic capabilities. This focus is essential for securing South Africa’s waters, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and for participating in multinational efforts to combat illegal activities at sea.
Day three of the AAD Conference will also feature a keynote address by the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who will elaborate on plans for revitalizing the navy’s capabilities and introducing new fleet additions. Other relevant discussions will cover a range of maritime security issues, including the impact of Houthi attacks on shipping, Somali piracy, and initiatives to support South African naval assets. Topics will also address advancements like the use of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in securing maritime environments, as well as the Oceans and Coastal Information System (OCIMS) for monitoring South Africa’s waters.
Overall, the AAD 2024 Conference serves as a critical platform for discussing regional maritime security challenges and identifying actionable solutions that leverage local capabilities to enhance safety and sovereignty in African maritime regions. For those interested in attending, further details are available on the AAD 2024 Conference website.
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