Maritime strategy in Africa: strategic flaws exposing Africa to vulnerabilities from food insecurity to external domination

Abstract

Is maritime strategy in Africa fit for purpose? Africa has generally sought maritime security through international law, cooperation and diplomacy in the post-Cold War US-led international order. However, the rise of China and the resurgence of Russia challenge the US-led order, raising questions about the fitness of Africa’s strategic orientation in the maritime domain. This article evaluates Africa’s maritime strategy, theory and practice, to determine its suitability for Africa’s maritime strategic environment, at the beginning of the third decade of the twenty-first century. It argues that Africa’s current maritime strategy is unsuitable for its maritime security – as an element of national and regional security. The argument rests on the findings that: (1) Africa suffers from low maritime domain awareness, (2) it has not shaken off its historical seablindness, (3) Africa in general and individual African states retain little or no seapower and take few practical steps to address the situation, and (4) Africa suffers persistent challenges in exploiting and securing maritime wealth. The AU’s Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy is a wish list with no realistic or practical steps to its realisation.