Published: October 6, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberia is winning plaudits across the continent after successfully hosting the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference in Monrovia — an event widely hailed as one of the most organized and impactful maritime gatherings in Africa’s recent history.
Held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, the high-profile conference brought together delegates from more than 40 African countries, as well as representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), regional blocs and the private maritime sector.
Under the theme “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonization in Shipping, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential,” the meeting served as a major platform to chart Africa’s maritime future amid growing global pressure for greener and more inclusive shipping practices.
‘Best Ever’ Gathering
Justus Omae Nyarandi, AAMA chairman and director general of the Kenya Maritime Authority, called the Monrovia conference the “best ever” in the association’s history.
“Liberia’s coordination and warmth have shown how collaboration can inspire meaningful progress across Africa’s maritime sector,” Nyarandi said in his closing remarks, adding that the conference demonstrated the continent “speaking with one voice on the future of its blue economy.”
Liberia’s Leadership Highlighted
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., commissioner and chief executive of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), said Liberia was honored to host the gathering and proud to help shape Africa’s maritime voice.
“Together, we have reaffirmed our shared vision for sustainable ocean governance and a resilient blue economy that benefits all Africans,” Lighe said.
Lighe credited the collaboration among the Liberian government, regional partners and international stakeholders for the event’s success. Since taking office, he has pursued reforms to enhance Liberia’s maritime competitiveness and drive cooperation on ship registration, safety and decarbonization.
Shared Commitment to the Blue Economy
The Monrovia conference closed with renewed pledges to strengthen ocean governance, expand trade and transport facilitation, and foster inclusive growth within the blue economy. Delegates underscored priorities such as building capacity for African seafarers, improving safety on domestic ferry routes, promoting gender inclusion and advancing green-shipping initiatives under a just-transition framework.
Participants agreed that these priorities form the foundation of a unified continental maritime agenda aimed at making Africa a competitive and environmentally responsible player in global shipping.
Liberia Showcases Culture and Heritage
Beyond official sessions, delegates were treated to Liberia’s maritime heritage through cultural performances, exhibitions and guided tours, underscoring the nation’s identity as one of the world’s oldest maritime nations.
The Liberian Registry, now the world’s second-largest, was highlighted as a model of effective maritime governance and international compliance. Delegates praised Liberia’s continued leadership in global shipping and its growing role in sustainable ocean development.
Africa’s Maritime Future
The AAMA, established under the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter, serves as the continent’s top policy-setting body for maritime administrations. This year’s conference — Liberia’s first as host — spotlighted shared challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, limited maritime financing and insufficient investment in port infrastructure.
“Africa’s future lies in how we manage our oceans,” Lighe said. “We must invest in our people, protect our waters and build the capacity needed to benefit fully from our maritime resources.”
Delegates departed Monrovia praising Liberia’s organization, leadership and vision — with many describing the 2025 AAMA Conference as a turning point for continental maritime collaboration and a testament to Liberia’s renewed influence on Africa’s blue-economy agenda.
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