African nations set top priorities for a sustainable maritime future

African maritime administrations have agreed on a set of concrete actions to take which will help shape the region's maritime future, in line with global trends in technology, innovation and sustainability.

These shared commitments were outlined during the 7th Association of African Maritime Administrators (AAMA) Conference held in Dar es Salaam, in the United Republic of Tanzania (29 November - 1 December).

The event was opened by Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko.

Addressing the conference, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said: "At the heart of our collective work lies the IMO's unwavering support for Africa's maritime ambitions. From advancing the decarbonization of shipping to enhancing maritime safety and addressing the scourge of piracy, our shared agenda demands a united approach."

Member States resolved to take the following actions in six priority areas, including:

• Maritime decarbonization: Actively engage in IMO discussions to ensure measures adopted under the 2023 IMO Strategy for the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships are just and equitable. Member States that have not yet done so were urged to fast-track the ratification of MARPOL Annex VI and develop national action plans to fully actualize obligations under the treaty.
• Capacity development: Develop a maritime workforce training roadmap to accommodate upcoming technological changes in the maritime sector.
• Financing sustainable maritime transport: Create a sustainable financing framework for Africa's maritime sector. This includes producing bankable proposals to be submitted to financial institutions, as well as developing capability to absorb the financing.
• Maritime security and safety: Develop a strategic action plan for enhancing maritime safety and security in the region. Implementing the IMO Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety and share best practices from the African region to support IMO, IMLI and WMU projects on the issue. Implement corrective action plans emanating from IMO audits and seeking assistance from IMO where needed.
• Governance and maritime trade facilitation: Develop action plans to strengthen maritime government and infrastructure development, calling on IMO to assist countries to develop National Maritime Transport Policies. Member states were encouraged to implement the Maritime Single Window to facilitate maritime trade and commerce.
• Gender and diversity: Develop a gender and diversity action plan for the region.

The AAMA will set up working groups to advance each of the six resolutions and provide regular updates to Member States.

The event was held under the theme, 'Navigating the future of Africa's maritime sector: Collaborating on technology and innovation to enhance safety, security, decarbonization and marine environment for a sustainable future'.

It aimed to foster strategic collaboration among African nations, as well as with IMO and other partners to and develop actionable roadmaps that align with the broader 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS 2050) and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• View the full list of conference outcomes
• More about the 7th AAMA Conference