Nasheed says Addu can become key link between Africa and Southeast Asia

Former President Mohamed Nasheed on Monday outlined a proposal to develop a transshipment port and a “green economic corridor” in Addu, connecting East Africa and Southeast Asia.

In a video posted on X, Nasheed said Addu’s greatest asset is its natural environment and its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, between Africa on one side and Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on the other.

Nasheed said large volumes of global cargo already pass through the region, which is why he envisions Addu as part of a green economic corridor.

“I think the best place to start this corridor is Mombasa, Kenya, and then come to Addu and finish in Jakarta, Indonesia,” he said.

He said he sees Addu as a transshipment hub capable of handling ships from East African countries, especially Kenya and Somalia. According to Nasheed, vessels of similar size could also travel from Jakarta to Addu, exchange cargo, and return carrying goods bound for Africa and Southeast Asia.

Addu aai gulhey baeh vaahaka. pic.twitter.com/wTFYzIukdh

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) March 2, 2026

Nasheed described the project as a “green corridor,” saying all operations would be powered by renewable energy. He proposed designating the area as a green economic zone.

The former president said he recently met Kenyan President William Ruto, who expressed interest in the idea and agreed to conduct a feasibility study. “The President of Kenya has asked his ministers to take this forward. Now I will have to seek cooperation from Maldives and Jakarta,” Nasheed said.

He added that Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar had also shown willingness to support the initiative.

Successive Maldivian governments have explored the idea of developing a major transshipment port, though previous proposals, including those discussed during earlier administrations, have not materialised.

The current administration has launched a bunkering service to refuel vessels passing through Maldivian waters. However, concerns have been raised over whether the service is generating the expected level of revenue.