Bab-el-Mandeb Strait Cooperation and Dialogue Council
Purpose: Safe Passage on Africa's Own Coast
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait Cooperation and Dialogue Council brings together members from business, government and civil society who care about the Horn of Africa. The strait lies on Africa’s own coast, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean connects to Suez. Seafarers, East African trade and coastal communities depend on safe passage. The Council convenes, gathers evidence and supports dialogue. It holds no authority over the strait.
Our Vision
Safe Seas, Steady Trade
To see seafarers safe, East African and Red Sea trade continuous, and coastal communities better served, with dialogue as the first answer to any disruption.
Our Mission
Safety, Continuity and Dialogue
- Put Seafarers First: Back welfare, safety and fair treatment for crews who work these waters.
- Protect Continuity: Gather evidence on delays and plan with African ports and shippers for resilient trade.
- Plan for Diversion: Study what happens when ships must go around the Cape, and who pays the extra cost.
- Support Dialogue: Encourage calm talks among all parties, taking no side, and refer disputes to recognised legal bodies.
Subject Matter Expert Committee: Horn of Africa and Red Sea Voices
The Bab-el-Mandeb Expert Committee includes:
- Maritime Safety Experts focused on crews and navigation.
- Port and Coastal Specialists from East African and Red Sea communities.
- Shippers and Insurers who understand route risk and diversion cost.
- Regional Trade Professionals in Horn of Africa commerce.
- Policy Advisors on regional cooperation. Nominations are invited.
Engagement with Authorities: Calm Partnership
Coastal States and Regional Bodies:
- Engage the coastal states and regional organisations respectfully on safety and port services. We take no side between states.
Shipping and Maritime Bodies:
- Share African evidence with the International Maritime Organization and industry bodies. We are not affiliated with, a member of or endorsed by any of them.
African and Global Partners:
- Work with the African Union and regional economic communities on port readiness.
- Ask the EU, G7 and other major economies to support seafarer welfare and coastal development.
Council Convener: Keeping the Gateway Open
The Convener of the Council will:
- Guide the Council’s work on safety and continuity. Appointments will be announced.
- Give coastal communities and African shippers a voice in discussions.
- Refer disputes needing a ruling to recognised bodies, such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Why this Council matters
- For Seafarers: Safety and dignity stay at the centre of every discussion.
- For Coastal Communities: Port jobs and livelihoods depend on steady, safe traffic.
- For African Trade: Fewer costly diversions and better readiness at African ports.
Join the Bab-el-Mandeb Council
Help keep Africa's own gateway safe, open and fairly served. The Council is being established ahead of the Summit in January 2027. Nominations are invited.
Stay Updated with Us
Global Trade Council Partnerships
- Australia China Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia India Seafood Industry Council (AISIC)
- Australia India Free Trade and Seafood Industry Advisory Group (AIFTSIAG)
- Australia Qatar Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Saudi Arabia Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Turkiye Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia UAE Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia USA Chamber of Trade, Commerce and Industry
- Australia Singapore Chamber of Trade, Commerce, and Industry
Economic Forum 2026
Membership
Policies
- Semiconductor Fabless Policy 2027-2035
- Data Centre Policy 2027-2035
- Information Technology Policy 2027-2035
- Multimodal Logistics Policy 2027-2035
- BPO and Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2027-2035
- New and Renewable Energy Policy 2027-2035
- Biotechnology Policy 2027-2035
- Pharmaceuticals Policy 2027-2035
- DeepTech, AI, and Data Centre Policy 2027-2035
- Electronics Policy 2027-2035
- Export Development Policy 2027-2035
- MedTech Policy 2027-2035
- Film and Media Policy 2027-2035
- FinTech Policy 2027-2035
- EdTech Policy 2027-2035
- Events and Tourism Policy 2027-2035
- Apparel and Technical Textiles Policy 2027-2035
- Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2027-2035
- Fisheries Policy 2027-2035
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Policy 2027-2035
- MIAGS Startup Policy 2027-2035
- MIAGS Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Manufacturing Policy 2027-2035
Advocacy
Resources & News
Contact Us
Governing Councils
- Business Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Council
- Digital Transformation and Innovation Council
- Export and International Trade Council
- Finance and Investment Council
- Infrastructure and Real Estate Development Council
- Intellectual Property and Innovation Council
- Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization Council
- Sustainability and Climate Action Council
- Transport and Connectivity Council
- Urban Infrastructure and Housing Council
- Workforce Development and Skilling Council
- Public Utilities and Civic Services Council
- Governance and Transparency Council
- Agriculture and Food Processing Expert Committee
- Banking, Financial Services & Insurance Committee
- Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation Committee
- Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Committee
- Corporate Governance Committee
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee
- Digitalisation Committee
- Direct Tax Committee
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee
- Economic Policy, Research & Development Committee
- EdTech and Skill Development Committee
- Energy and Infrastructure Committee
- Human Resources Management Committee
- Indirect Tax Committee
- International Trade & Commerce Committee
- Legal Affairs & Intellectual Property Rights Committee
- Media, Entertainment, and Content Creation Committee
- MSME Growth and Advocacy Forum
- Private Equity & Venture Capital Committee
- Renewable Energy and Green Technology Committee
- Shipping & Logistics Committee
- Startups & Entrepreneurship Committee
- Sustainability & ESG Committee
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Committee
- Women in Business & Leadership Committee
- Young Leaders Forum
- Healthcare and Wellness Committee
- Government Relations and Development Advocacy Committee
About
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.