MONROVIA – Liberia is set to make history once again as it hosts the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference, a gathering of the crème de la crème of Africa’s maritime leaders. From September 30 to October 3, 2025, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex will play host to over 40 countries, 200 international guests, and more than 10 regional organizations. According to pundits, this will be the first big historic assembly of African leaders since the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now AU conference that took place in 1979. The Analyst reports.
Held under the theme, “Safeguarding the Oceans, Promoting De-carbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy,” the Monrovia-hosted conference dubbed, 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference, will deliberate on key issues such as Maritime Governance, Digital Technology, Empowering Women and Youth in the Blue Economy, and more.
According to release, the event presents a valuable opportunity for Liberia to showcase its blue economy and tourism potentials, while also promoting its re-election bid to Category A on the IMO Council.
The conference promises to be a platform for African nations to chart their course towards a greener, cleaner, safer, and more sustainable maritime future,
With Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung set to attend the opening ceremony, Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., leading the country’s delegation, and Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh expressing the nation’s profound honor in hosting this event, the stage is set for meaningful discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of Africa’s maritime industry.
According to Ambassador Kpadeh, this 8th conference presents a great opportunity for Liberia to showcase its blue economy and tourism potentials and also serve as an important platform to project Liberia’s re-election bid to Category A on the IMO Council, for which elections is scheduled to take place December of this year. The conference will also potentially impact the local economy as delegates will purchase goods and services during the four days conference.
“During the stay of the delegates in Liberia, the country will also benefit from the expertise of maritime experts who will sit multiple panels to discuss key maritime issues ranging from Maritime governance, international cooperation, women and your empowerment in the sector to digital technology among others essential topics to be unpacked during the conference,” Ambassador Kpadeh said.
He also used the occasion to inform the nation that about 45 African states and several regional and international organizations including the International Maritime Organization, European Union, African Development Bank, International Shippers Union, and Industry leaders are expected to converge at the EJS Ministerial Complex on Tuesday to honor the AAMA-Monrovia Conference.
Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., will lead Liberia’s delegation at the conference in welcoming their foreign counterparts to the capital of Liberia and is very optimistic that Liberia will make the best use of this opportunity to showcase its maritime resources; but moreover to coordinate, collaborate, and cooperate, with other counterparts, emphasizing the importance of working together to effectively implement maritime regulations, counter maritime security threats, and promote maritime security in a coordinated and harmonized way.
Some of the key highlights of the conference include discussions on maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and trade; capacity building, infrastructural development, and technology transfers for African countries, and emphasis on gender diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector.
Furthermore, there will be discussion on robust implementation of maritime single windows to facilitate trade and commerce within Africa, and sustainable financing framework to accelerate maritime project development in Africa.
As the international maritime community converges on Monrovia, Liberia is poised to make a lasting impression and cement its position as a leader in Africa’s maritime sector.
The program will climax on the 4th of September, Friday, after which foreign guests will depart Monrovia for their respective capitals. Ghana is poised to host the Association’s 9th session next year, with the time and actual date to be determined here in Monrovia.