Kampala, Uganda, 28 November 2025 (ECA) - Regional Experts have convened in Kampala for a Validation Workshop on Inland Waterway Transport Policy Harmonization, aimed at unlocking the potential of Eastern Africa’s vast network of lakes and rivers to support sustainable trade and regional integration.
The two-day workshop, jointly organized by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Office for Eastern Africa, the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (CCTTFA), and the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), brings together representatives from nine countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia.
Eastern Africa’s inland waterways—including Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, Kivu, Albert, and Malawi—cover thousands of square kilometers and connect multiple countries. Yet, less than 5% of regional freight currently moves via waterways, compared to over 70% by road, contributing to high transport costs and congestion. Studies show that Inland Waterway Transport can reduce logistics costs by up to 40% for bulk cargo and cut carbon emissions by 50–70% compared to road transport.
Speaking on the importance of policy harmonization for regional integration, Mr Andrew Mold, Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, stressed that “Harmonization of inland waterway transport policies is not a bureaucratic exercise—it really underpins all our efforts at regional integration.. The harmonization of policy in this area will help incentivize regional trade, reduce logistics costs, and achieve the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Above all, it will give member states and the private sector greater choice in terms of transport linkages. Let us seize this opportunity to build a greener, more resilient future for Eastern Africa.”
On aligning strategic plans with validated actions, Mr Charles Kalinda, Official at the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency said that:“This validation process is a critical step toward creating an efficient and harmonized transport framework. Several of the actions agreed here will be integrated into our upcoming five-year strategic plan to ensure ownership and effectiveness.”
Mr John Deng Diar Diing, Executive Secretary of Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority talked about improving safety and connectivity across waterways, stressing the critical role of harmonized standards in transforming the sector:
“Our commitment goes beyond policy discussions—we are actively working to enhance safety measures such as mandatory life jackets, modern communication systems, and standardized navigation protocols across all member states. Connectivity is equally vital; by linking inland waterways with road and rail networks, we can create a truly multimodal transport system. Harmonized policies will enable this integration, reduce delays, and strengthen the region’s competitiveness in global trade.”
The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Waiswa Bageya, Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport, who reaffirmed his country’s strong commitment to leveraging its natural waterways for trade and regional integration. He emphasized: “Our region is blessed with extensive water bodies that hold immense potential for boosting trade and providing greener, more sustainable transport solutions. This workshop is a timely opportunity to harmonize policies that will enable seamless multimodal transport systems and strengthen economic integration across Eastern Africa.” He also urged both the Northern and Central Corridors to continue working together in a collaborative way to serve the needs of the whole region.
The workshop has validated a regional Inland Waterway Transport policy framework, strategic plans for the Northern and Central Corridors, and proposed concrete interventions to address infrastructure gaps, safety standards, and environmental compliance. These efforts aim to reduce transport costs and enhance connectivity across Eastern Africa.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org