Strait of Malacca Cooperation and Dialogue Council
Purpose: Africa's Lane to East Asia
The Strait of Malacca Cooperation and Dialogue Council gathers members from business, government and civil society who trade across the Indian Ocean. This narrow strait is the main lane for goods moving between Africa and East Asia: machinery and manufactured inputs coming in, African commodities going out. We want African processed goods on that lane too, not only raw materials. The Council convenes, gathers evidence and advocates. It holds no authority over the strait.
Our Vision
An Open Lane for African Value
To see African producers ship processed and manufactured goods to East Asia, and buy what they need, on a lane that stays open, affordable and predictable.
Our Mission
From Raw Cargo to Finished Goods
- Map the Trade: Gather evidence on African exports and imports that move between the Indian Ocean and East Asia.
- Champion Processing: Press for fair market access and standards so African goods can travel as products, not only raw cargo.
- Lower Delay and Cost: Raise freight, port and scheduling problems with carriers, ports and coastal states.
- Keep Dialogue Open: Support calm, neutral talks if the lane is congested or disrupted, and refer disputes to recognised bodies.
Subject Matter Expert Committee: Asia Trade and Shipping Voices
The Strait of Malacca Expert Committee includes:
- Trade Economists who study Africa and East Asia commerce.
- Shipping and Port Specialists on routes, scheduling and transhipment.
- Manufacturers and Processors seeking Asian markets and inputs.
- Standards and Customs Experts on market access for processed goods.
- Policy Advisors on partnerships with Asian economies. Nominations are invited.
Engagement with Authorities: Open, Neutral Talks
Coastal States and Regional Bodies:
- Engage the coastal states and regional maritime bodies respectfully on safe, efficient passage. We take no side between states.
Shipping and Maritime Bodies:
- Bring African evidence to the International Maritime Organization and industry bodies. We are not affiliated with, a member of or endorsed by any of them.
African and Asian Partners:
- Work with the AfCFTA Secretariat and regional economic communities on export readiness.
- Invite East Asian economies to offer technology, finance and fair terms for processed African goods.
Council Convener: Opening the Eastern Lane
The Convener of the Council will:
- Coordinate the Council’s evidence on Africa to East Asia trade. Appointments will be announced.
- Present African exporters’ needs to carriers, ports and partner economies.
- Refer disputes needing a ruling to recognised bodies, such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Why this Council matters
- For Exporters: A louder voice on freight costs, delay and market access.
- For Workers: More processing at home means more factory, port and logistics jobs.
- For Africa’s Industry: Africa also owes itself efficient ports, good standards and delivery on time.
Join the Malacca Council
Help African makers reach East Asia with finished goods, not only raw cargo. The Council is being established ahead of the Summit in January 2027. Nominations are invited.
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The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.
MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.