…Over 200 Delegates Expected in Monrovia
By Amos Harris
Liberia is set to host the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), an event expected to draw over 200 delegates from more than 40 African member states, along with observers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The four-day conference is scheduled to run from September 30 to October 3, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The theme for this year is: “Safeguarding the Ocean and Promoting Decarbonization: Exploring Africa’s Global Economic Potential.”
Ambassador Robert W. Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), called the conference a landmark moment for both Liberia and the continent during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) weekly press briefing on Thursday, September 25, in Monrovia.
Ambassador Kpadeh emphasized that the AAMA Conference will advance maritime governance across Africa through enhanced cooperation, partnerships, and digital innovation. Discussions will focus on developing a strategic roadmap for Africa’s Blue Economy, a sector he stressed is essential for sustainable growth and global trade competitiveness.
“This is not just a conference; it is a defining moment for Liberia and the African maritime industry,” Ambassador Kpadeh stated. “The decisions taken here will shape how Africa harnesses its ocean resources for development.”
The gathering will also highlight critical areas such as capacity building, gender equality, and youth and women empowerment, while promoting education and skills development to ensure inclusivity within the maritime sector.
Ambassador Kpadeh further underscored that Liberia, as both a key member of AAMA and a global leader in maritime affairs, is uniquely positioned to host the event. He noted that hosting the 8th AAMA Conference demonstrates Liberia’s growing influence in international shipping and maritime governance.
With Monrovia preparing to welcome maritime experts, government leaders, and international partners, the conference is anticipated to be one of the largest maritime assemblies ever hosted in Africa, solidifying Liberia’s role at the forefront of the continent’s maritime future.