Liberia has, for the first time in its maritime history, welcomed the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA). The four-day gathering, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brings together maritime leaders and experts from across the continent under the theme: “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonisation in Shipping, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential.”
The opening session was led by Cllr Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Liberia Maritime Authority, who described the event as a milestone moment for a nation long regarded as a global shipping giant but until now a first-time host of the AAMA conference.
“Your expertise and experience will greatly enrich the deliberations over the coming days,” Commissioner Lighe told participants, while stressing the importance of collective action in addressing the complex challenges confronting Africa’s maritime sector.
He identified piracy, geopolitical instability, weak infrastructure, environmental threats, and regulatory shortcomings as pressing concerns that cannot be tackled by individual nations alone. AAMA, he said, provides the framework for African states to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and unlock the continent’s maritime potential.
Commissioner Lighe further revealed Liberia’s ongoing five-year strategy to align with international maritime priorities, which includes developing new business opportunities in areas such as ship recycling, seafaring, bunkering, eco-tourism, and the expansion of its domestic maritime industry.
AAMA Chairman, CPA Omae Nyarandi, lauded Liberia as a “cornerstone of the global shipping industry” and praised its leadership in advancing maritime governance. He stressed the urgency of addressing Africa’s enduring challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and the impact of climate change.
“Our oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers are not simply geographical features—they are the lifeblood of Africa’s prosperity, food security, energy future, and regional integration,” Nyarandi said, adding that the continent had yet to fully realise the vast promise of its Blue Economy.
Chairman of Liberia’s House Committee on Maritime, Austin Taylor, highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global shipping through the work of AAMA, pointing to improved compliance with international protocols and the increasing appeal of African-flag registration. However, he called for greater investment in African classification societies and Protection & Indemnity Clubs to strengthen the continent’s maritime infrastructure.
In a statement, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Liberia and other African nations through the Global Gateway initiative, which seeks to close investment gaps across key sectors, particularly in climate and energy.
“As our interests strongly align, the EU remains committed to supporting Africa in shaping a sustainable maritime future,” Ambassador Deprez said.
As discussions continue, the conference is expected to focus on strengthening regional cooperation, advancing shipping decarbonisation, improving maritime security, and tapping into Africa’s ocean-based economic opportunities.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.