By: Samuel B. Johnson
MONROVIA, LIBERIA - The Liberia Maritime Authority, in collaboration with the Association of Africans Maritime Administrations (AAMA), has begun hosting the 8th AAMA conference in Monrovia. The conference which has brought together distinguished delegates, officials, and experts in the maritime industry to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in Africa's maritime sector.
In his statement, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, highlighted the challenges facing Africa's maritime sector, including piracy, geopolitical tensions, infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and regulatory gaps. He emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation among African countries to address these shared challenges and unlock the continent's maritime potential .
Lighe noted that the Liberia Maritime Authority is implementing a 5-year strategic plan to position the maritime sector as a pathway to sustainable growth and development. The plan includes developing new business streams such as ship demolition and recycling, seafaring, bunkering, ecotourism, and expanding the domestic maritime sector. He also emphasized the importance of the blue economy concept, which holds immense potential for marine transport, trade, sustainable development, food security, job creation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
The Commissioner/CEO stressed the need for continental collaboration and coordination to harness Africa's blue economy potential. He called on AAMA, the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), and other regional organizations to work closely with the African Union on the maritime transport component of the blue economy.
The conference marked a significant milestone for Liberia, as it hosted a major regional maritime organization for the first time. Lighe expressed pride in hosting the conference and confidence that the expertise and experience of the delegates would enrich the discussions and deliberations. He also welcomed private sector partners to explore opportunities in new maritime investments through public-private partnerships and other mechanisms .
• Maritime Challenges: Africa's maritime sector faces challenges such as piracy, geopolitical tensions, and infrastructure deficits.
• Blue Economy Potential: The blue economy holds immense potential for marine transport, trade, sustainable development, and job creation.
• Continental Collaboration: AAMA, MOWCA, and other regional organizations should collaborate with the African Union on the maritime transport component of the blue economy.
• Liberia's Maritime Future: Liberia is positioning its maritime sector for sustainable growth and development through a 5-year strategic plan .
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