‘WIN FOR ALL LIBERIANS’ -Amb. Kpadeh Cherishes Maritime Leaders’ Assembly in Monrovia

MONROVIA – Unarguably, Liberia has long been a respected player in the global maritime industry, known for its leadership in maritime governance and its significant role in international shipping. As one of the largest ship registries in the world, Liberia has consistently demonstrated ironclad commitment to safety, security, and environmental protection. With its growing international profile, including a recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Liberia is poised to further solidify its position as a major player in global maritime affairs—evidenced by the global maritime sector-leaders’ choice of Monrovia as host of the 8^th African Association of Maritime Administrations Summit. As The Analyst’ George C Flomo reports, the man in the center of the conference activities, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, thinks the gathering is a ‘win for all Liberians’.

The spotlight of the global maritime world shifts to Monrovia today as Liberia officially hosts the 8th African Association of Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Summit, bringing together over 250 international delegates from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The four-day summit, scheduled from September 30 to October 3, 2025, will be held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex Conference Center. However, according to other sources, the summit is scheduled from September 30 to October 4, 2025. Experts, policymakers, and maritime leaders will deliberate on the future of Africa’s blue economy under the theme: “Safeguarding the Ocean, Promoting Decarbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential.”

A Win for All Liberians

For Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, Liberia’s permanent representative of the International Martime Organization (IMO), the gathering of the topnotch personalities and countries in the maritime sector is victory for the country. He has urged Liberians to view the summit as a collective achievement, transcending political or regional divides.

“It doesn’t matter what party you support or where you come from. This week, Liberia stands tall as we welcome the world to our capital. It is a win for all of us,” he declared.

As the 8th AAMA Summit commences today, Liberia hosts a historic gathering, cementing its place as a beacon of maritime leadership in Africa and beyond.

For the next four days, Monrovia will serve as the hub of Africa’s maritime future.

Liberia at the Forefront of Maritime Leadership

Appearing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Ambassador Robert Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), described Liberia’s hosting of the summit as a “distinct honor and a win for the entire country.”

He recalled that at the 7th AAMA Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Liberia was unanimously chosen by over 40 member states to host this year’s conference. That decision, he said, was a clear testament to the respect Liberia commands within the global maritime space.

“Liberia is not just a member of AAMA; we are a leader in the corridors of the International Maritime Organization. Our voice continues to echo loudly on issues of maritime security, global shipping, and ocean governance,” Kpadeh emphasized.

A Gathering of Global Maritime Minds

The 8th AAMA Summit will assemble high-level delegations from more than 40 African countries, alongside representatives from the IMO, the European Union, regional maritime institutions, and private sector stakeholders.

Countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa will send large delegations, while partners from the Middle East and Asia, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are expected to attend the conference.

Thematic Focus: Africa’s Blue Economy

The summit’s agenda reflects Africa’s growing commitment to transforming its maritime sector into a driver of economic growth and sustainable development.

The summit will focus on several key areas, including maritime governance, where clear frameworks and strategies for sustainable management of African waters will be developed.

The integration of artificial intelligence and technology into shipping and port operations will also be explored, as part of the digital transformation of the maritime sector.

Furthermore, the summit will discuss enhancing partnerships among member countries to promote a unified maritime agenda and ensure gender balance and capacity building through training institutions across the continent.

Economic and Intellectual Benefits

Amb. Kpadeh highlighted the immediate economic impact of the summit, with hundreds of delegates expected to spend on accommodation, food, transport, and local services during their stay in Monrovia.

Beyond short-term financial gains, the conference offers intellectual dividends, as maritime experts will present research, exchange ideas, and develop practical recommendations for the continent.

“This is second only to the African Union Summit in terms of importance. For Liberia, it is an opportunity to showcase our leadership, attract investment, and reinforce our role as a major player in global maritime affairs,” he stressed.

Liberia’s Rising International Image

The hosting of the AAMA Summit adds to Liberia’s growing international profile. Recently elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Liberia now shoulders the responsibility of championing global peace while leading conversations in maritime governance.