Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Alliance Française de Mombasa to enhance French language training for maritime cadets and improve their competitiveness in the international job market.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Academy in a ceremony attended by French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
The agreement was formally signed by BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana and Alliance Française de Mombasa representative Muhammed Ramazan, marking a key milestone in strengthening international collaboration in maritime education and training.
Dr. Katana said the partnership will equip cadets with essential language skills needed to access employment opportunities in Francophone countries and across the global maritime industry.
“This partnership will enhance the competitiveness of our trainees and open up broader career opportunities in the international maritime sector,” he said.
Ambassador Suquet reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting education and skills development in Kenya, noting that language training plays a key role in promoting international cooperation and professional mobility.
Governor Nassir welcomed the collaboration, thanking the French Embassy for supporting youth empowerment initiatives in the coastal region. He said such partnerships are critical in advancing skills development and creating economic opportunities for young people.
CMA CGM East Africa Cluster Chief Executive Officer Naveen Prabhu, who also attended the event, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with BMA.
He said strengthening foreign language skills among cadets would align them with global industry standards and improve employability in the maritime sector.
The partnership will provide structured French language training for BMA cadets, enhancing their readiness for careers in the increasingly globalized maritime industry.
By Sadik Hassan
