MONROVIA – As the maritime sector in Africa continues to navigate complex challenges and opportunities, industry leaders and experts have been gathering and discussing in Monrovia, Liberia, for the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA). Against this backdrop, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, delivered a compelling welcome address, highlighting the significance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of Africa’s maritime industry. The Analyst reports.
The Liberia Maritime Authority, in collaboration with the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), has commenced the 8th Annual Conference in Monrovia.
Delivering the welcome address, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, expressed delight in hosting the conference, noting it’s the first time Liberia has hosted a major regional or continental maritime organization.
“We are gathering at a time when Africa’s maritime sector is confronted with many challenges, including piracy, geopolitical tensions, infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and regulatory gaps,” Cllr. Lighe said. “These challenges transcend national boundaries, and no country can solitarily address them within its institutional and jurisdictional limits.”
The AAMA conference provides a platform for collaboration and cooperation in tackling shared challenges and establishing Africa as a maritime powerhouse, according to Cllr. Lighe.
He highlighted the evolving roles of maritime administrations, which now extend beyond traditional functions to include facilitating trade, fostering economic growth, and partnering with the private sector.
The Liberia Maritime Authority is implementing a 5-year strategic plan to position the maritime sector as a pathway to sustainable growth and development.
“The plan provides a roadmap for developing new business streams such as ship demolition and recycling, seafaring, bunkering, ecotourism, and expanding the domestic maritime sector,” Cllr. Lighe stated.
He emphasized the importance of the blue economy concept, which holds immense potential for marine transport, trade, sustainable development, food security, job creation, and climate resilience.
He however noted that addressing challenges such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, limited investment, and limited capacity is crucial to maximizing the blue economy’s potential.
Cllr. Lighe called for collaboration between AAMA, the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), and the African Union on the maritime transport component of the blue economy.
“This is crucial and needs urgent attention,” he stressed.
Cllr. Lighe expressed gratitude to the delegates for accepting the invitation to visit Liberia and wished them a productive and enjoyable stay.
“I hope you will enjoy the hospitality of the people and culture of Liberia,” he said.