The Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex will on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 hosts delegates from more than 40 countries and over 200 international guests from within and outside of Africa, and more than 10 regional organizations to begin the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations conference and general assembly. The conference is expected to bring together African maritime leaders to discuss pertinent issues such as the blue economy, maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and trade.
Hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority, this year’s conference will be held under the theme, “Safeguarding the Oceans, Promoting Decarbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy”. Under this generic topic, several issues are expected to be deliberated on, ranging from Maritime Governance, Fostering International Cooperation for the Future, Digital Technology, Empowering Women and Youth in the Blue Economy, amongst others.
Deliberations and discussions during this year’s conference will appreciate the benefits that may accrue to African countries in terms of capacity building, infrastructural development, and technology transfer.
During his press briefing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), indicated that the conference will emphasize the need for gender diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector, and is expected to call for greater women participation at all levels; robust implementation of maritime single windows to facilitate maritime trade and commerce within Africa; and the need for a sustainable financing framework to accelerate the financing and development of maritime projects within Africa, amongst others.
According to PMR 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-day conference.
During the stay of the delegates in Liberia, the country will also benefit from the expertise of maritime experts who will sit on multiple panels to discuss key maritime issues, ranging from maritime governance, international cooperation, women and empowerment in the sector to digital technology, among others essential topics to be unpacked during the conference.
Kpadeh informed the nation that about 45 African states and several regional and international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), European Union (EU), African Development Bank (AfDB), International Shippers Union and industry leaders are expected to converge at the EJS Ministerial Complex on Tuesday to honor the AAMA-Monrovia Conference.
The Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), 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 said to be 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.
His Excellency Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung will be in attendance at the opening of the conference on Tuesday to graciously welcome the various delegations from around Africa and the world with special remarks in kicking off the conference.
Permanent Representative Robert Kpadeh is quoted as saying, “Liberia is profoundly honored both to be chosen to host this historic gathering of African Maritime nations and to join the ranks of African maritime leaders, experts and political stakeholders in charting the future of Africa’s Blue Economy for a greener, cleaner, safer and more sustainable future.”. He described it as a historic moment.
The program will climax on Friday, September 4, 2025 after which foreign guests will depart Monrovia on the weekend for their respective capital. Ghana is poised to host the Association’s 9th session next year, with the time and actual date to be determined here in Monrovia.