The sinking of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on 11 August killed at least 97 people, marking the latest in a series of deadly incidents on Africa’s waterways. The state-run vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), capsized in strong winds after waves flooded its engine compartment. Survivors reported a lack of life jackets and delays in rescue efforts, leaving many clinging to debris for hours.
The disaster drew little international attention, a pattern seen in many African ferry tragedies. Just 10 days later, another sinking in Nigeria’s Sokoto state claimed 52 lives, mostly children, as a boat ferrying workers to rice farms capsized. This was Nigeria’s second major ferry disaster of 2026, following a January incident in Yobe state that killed at least 29 people.
Data from satellite communications company Inmarsat shows that Africa recorded 2,033 maritime fatalities in 2024, with 70% occurring in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. The true toll is likely higher, as many sinkings—particularly of small dugout canoes—go unreported.
Aging Fleet Drives Deadly Record
Mike Corrigan, CEO of the global ferry association Interferry, attributes the continent’s poor safety record to a mix of factors: aging vessels, poor maintenance, overcrowding, and weak enforcement of regulations. The Mbuya Nehanda, for example, was 41 years old—far beyond the recommended 25-30 year lifespan for commercial ferries. It had only one operational engine and was carrying 174 people, nearly double its certified capacity of 90.
Interferry’s FerrySafe initiative, launched in Africa in 2024, aims to address these issues by working with local stakeholders to improve safety standards. Corrigan emphasizes that cultural change takes time, requiring strong commitment from governments, regulators, and ferry operators. He cites a 10-year timeline for meaningful progress, noting that enforcement is often the biggest hurdle.
Zimbabwe’s Inland Waters Shipping Act, first passed in 1971 and amended multiple times, sets safety standards that exist mostly on paper. Regulatory agencies are frequently underfunded and understaffed, leaving gaps in oversight. While RIDA’s district commissioner for Kariba was arrested and charged with culpable homicide after the sinking, systemic surveillance remains weak.
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Another barrier is financial. Operating ferries in Africa is rarely profitable, making it difficult to invest in modern vessels or staff training. Corrigan says passenger fares often don’t cover operating costs, leaving little room for safety upgrades. Yet some progress is possible. Lagos State’s Waterways Authority (LASWA) has improved safety by enforcing operating hours, installing navigational markers, and dredging waterways to reduce collision risks.
Investment Powers Modern Waterways
The Lagos State Government’s Omi Eko Project, launched recently, aims to raise the share of water transport from 1% to 5% of urban journeys in Lagos. With a combined €410m ($477m) in funding from the French development agency, the European Union and European Investment Bank, the project is seeking to procure at least 75 new electric-powered vessels that will operate across 15 structured routes spanning 140km. Speaking at the launch of Omi Eko, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the project is not merely about infrastructure; it is about transformation, of lives, of livelihoods, and of Lagos itself.
The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) has also pushed for safety improvements. On Lake Victoria, PIDG has backed the Waterbus ferry network operated by Kenyan company Globology, which links lakeside communities in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It has also invested in Kalangala Infrastructure Services, which operates two roll-on/roll-off ferries between Uganda’s Bugala Island in Lake Victoria and the mainland, as well as a freight vessel sailing between Uganda and Tanzania.
Beyond safety, modern ferry services drive economic development. Bugala Island, for instance, has seen dramatic improvements in education after free ferry crossings allowed children to attend mainland schools. While PIDG’s current vessels still use diesel, they reduce emissions compared to smaller motorboats or land transport. Electric ferries, like those planned for Lagos, are the “next evolution,” though they require reliable power infrastructure, which few African countries can yet guarantee.
Future Of Safe African Ferries
The contrast between safe, modern ferries and those failing basic standards highlights the scale of the challenge. Yet the recent tragedies in Zimbabwe and Nigeria may finally spur action. If safety improvements gain traction, ferries could play a larger role in Africa’s transport future, reducing deaths while easing congestion in cities like Lagos.
