Liberia will host the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) conference and general assembly at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia from 2 to 4 October 2025, bringing together maritime leaders, experts and policymakers from across the continent and beyond.
Organizers say the gathering will attract delegates from more than 40 countries, over 200 international guests and representatives of more than 10 regional and international organizations.
About 45 African states and institutions including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the European Union, the African Development Bank, the International Shippers’ Union and industry leaders are expected to attend.
Hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority, this year’s conference is being held under the theme “Safeguarding the Oceans, Promoting Decarbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy.”
Panels and plenaries will address maritime governance, maritime safety and security, environmental protection, trade facilitation, digital technology, and initiatives to empower women and youth in the blue economy.
Speaking at a press briefing on 25 September, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Robert Wilmot Kpadeh said the conference will emphasize gender diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector and push for greater participation of women at all levels.
Delegates are also expected to advocate for robust implementation of maritime single windows to streamline trade, and for a sustainable financing framework to accelerate maritime infrastructure and development across Africa.
“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,” Kpadeh said, calling the meeting a “historic moment.”
Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe will lead the national delegation. The event provides an opportunity to “coordinate, collaborate and cooperate” with counterparts on implementing maritime regulations, countering security threats and promoting harmonized regional responses, he said.
Organizers also anticipate local economic benefits during the four-day event as visiting delegations spend on hotels, services and local goods while local professionals engage with international experts through technical panels and capacity-building sessions.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung is scheduled to deliver opening remarks welcoming regional and international delegations. The conference is expected to conclude on 4 October, after which visiting delegates will depart Monrovia. Ghana has been proposed to host the AAMA’s 9th session next year, with final dates to be confirmed.
Liberia holds a leading global maritime position as the operator of the world’s largest ship registry by gross tonnage and a significant presence in global maritime governance.
Liberian flagged ships control 97 percent of vessels registered in West African nations and 91 percent of vessels registered in the continent in 2024; Nigerian flagged ships control 1.4 percent in West Africa and 1.3 percent in the continent; Gabon controls 1.3 percent in both the sub-region and the continent as well while Sierra Leone flagged ships controls about 0.6 percent in both West African sub-region and the continent.
The United Nations Trade and Development’s annual merchant fleet by flag of registration and type of ship shows that a total of 419,821 ships are registered in the West African sub-region representing 94 percent of the 447,885 ships that are currently registered in Africa in 2024.
