In your opinion, is it driving naval buildup? And I would want to understand what really is driving the naval buildup and why countries that have historically relied on the coastal defense are now having this sort of investment in blue water capabilities.

Yeah, it's more than blue water capabilities, though.

And there is most certainly evidence of a substantial naval expansion, particularly in Africa, as you mentioned.

But I also want to distinguish...

the real trend from, you know, saying that the Hormuz conflict caused it.

Maybe it changed some equations, some calculations and so on, but it certainly didn't cause it as such.

And I can mention some numbers in this regard.

These are applaudable as a matter of fact, but does it in any way perhaps showcase that Africa as a continent... has been able to gain some level of economic sovereignty?

From a geopolitical perspective, what does maritime sovereignty itself look like for African states in this increasingly multipolar world we are seeing today?

Thanks for the question.

Yes, and before I start the answer, I agree completely with his assessment of Africa's importance, what it could mean for us to have maritime sovereignty.

We need to understand that maritime sovereignty is far more important than protecting territorial waters.

So it's the ability really of the state to govern its maritime domain, which means protecting trade, resources, infrastructure, and enforcing its own laws.

So as we all know, the world is becoming increasingly multipolar.

And in such a world, sovereignty means engaging international partners, but most important, from a position of capability and strategic choice rather than dependence.

So in your view, what is the missing link between Africa's human capacity and its ability to build a sustainable and indigenous maritime capability?