Monrovia prepares for landmark Maritime gathering, welcoming over 200 delegates.
Monrovia, September 29, 2025 — For the first time since the end of its decade-long civil war, Liberia is preparing to host the 8th Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) Conference and General Assembly, commencing tomorrow, September 30, at the EJS Ministerial Complex. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority, will bring together over 200 delegates from more than 40 countries, including both African and international participants, as well as representatives from over 10 regional organizations.
The 8th AAMA Conference is a milestone for Liberia, marking the largest maritime gathering in Monrovia’s recent history. The event will serve as a crucial platform for maritime leaders to discuss vital issues affecting the sector, including the blue economy, maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and trade. The conference theme, “Safeguarding the Oceans, Promoting Decarbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy,” reflects a commitment to sustainable maritime development and the critical role of oceans in Africa’s economic future.
Participants will engage in a series of discussions addressing a wide array of pressing maritime topics, including: Maritime governance and international cooperation for future growth, the role of digital technology in the maritime sector, empowering women and youth within the blue economy, Capacity building, infrastructure development, and technology transfer opportunities, Promotion of gender diversity and inclusivity in maritime professions, Implementation of maritime single windows to facilitate trade and commerce and Establishing sustainable financing frameworks for maritime projects in Africa
These deliberations aim to highlight the manifold benefits for African nations, including enhanced capacity, improved infrastructure, and increased technological advancements.
The opening of the conference will be graced by Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung, who will deliver special remarks to welcome the distinguished delegations. Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., will lead the host country’s delegation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in maritime regulation, security, and coordinated action. Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has underscored the historic nature of this event and Liberia’s honor in hosting such a significant assembly.
Approximately 45 African states and several prominent organizations, including the International Maritime Organization, the European Union, the African Development Bank, the International Shippers’ Union, and other industry leaders, are expected to be in attendance. The influx of delegates is expected to have a positive impact on Monrovia’s local economy, as participants will utilize local goods and services throughout the four-day event.
This year’s conference provides Liberia with a unique opportunity to showcase its maritime resources, blue economy initiatives, and tourism potential. Furthermore, it serves as a strategic platform for advancing Liberia’s bid for re-election to Category A on the IMO Council, with elections scheduled for December 2025.
Throughout the conference, delegates will benefit from the insights of leading maritime experts participating in panel discussions on maritime governance, international cooperation, women’s empowerment, and digital innovation. The event will conclude on Friday, October 3, after which foreign guests will depart for their respective home countries. Looking ahead, Ghana has been announced as the host for the Association’s 9th session next year, with details to be finalized in Monrovia.
As Ambassador Kpadeh aptly stated, “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.”- Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
