‘BEST EVER AAMA CONFAB’ -Delegates Extol 8th Assembly of Maritime Leaders

MONROVIA – As the sun set over the Atlantic coast, the city of Monrovia was abuzz with excitement. Delegates from over 40 African countries and beyond had gathered for the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference, themed “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonization in Shipping, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential.” The conference, held from September 30 to October 3, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, was a resounding success, with all participants praising Liberia’s exceptional organization, hospitality, and leadership—leaving behind memories and commitments towards strengthened partnership and progress in the maritime sector. The Analyst reports.

The 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference has concluded in Monrovia with widespread commendation for Liberia’s organization, hospitality, and leadership, as African maritime nations renewed their commitment to advancing the continent’s blue economy.

Held from September 30 to October 3, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, the conference brought together delegates from more than 40 African countries and beyond, alongside representatives from the International Maritime Organization and other regional organizations.

AAMA Chairman and Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority, CPA Justus Omae Nyarandi described the 2025 edition in his closing remarks as the “best ever” in the association’s history.

He praised Liberia’s coordination, organization, and warm reception, which he said set a new benchmark for future AAMA conferences.

The Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the continental gathering.

“Liberia was deeply honored to welcome fellow maritime administrations and proud of the progress made in strengthening Africa’s collective maritime voice,” he said.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a seven-point resolution outlining key priorities for the continent’s maritime agenda, including financing the blue economy, enhancing maritime transport and trade facilitation, promoting gender and diversity, improving domestic ferry safety, advancing capacity building, strengthening environmental protection, and promoting green shipping within a just transition framework.

Liberia showcased its maritime and tourism potential, as well as its rich cultural heritage, through exhibitions and cultural displays that highlighted the country’s position as a major maritime nation and its growing role in global shipping.

The AAMA Conference serves as the highest decision-making forum for African maritime administrations under the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter.

The 2025 edition in Monrovia reaffirmed Africa’s unity in addressing maritime challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global shipping landscape.