French-speaking African countries gathered this week to discuss a sustainable and inclusive maritime energy transition during a three-day sub-regional workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (6-8 October).
Organized by IMO in collaboration with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and the office of the IMO Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa (Francophone), the workshop brought together 80 participants from 18 countries to strengthen understanding of MARPOL Annex VI and ongoing IMO efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
The event provided a platform for participants to examine the challenges and opportunities of maritime decarbonization, while enhancing their ability to engage in IMO discussions on regulatory measures and their implementation.
Towards a just transition
Discussions were guided by the Mombasa Roadmap for maritime decarbonization and just transition in Africa, developed during a Regional Workshop (6-7 February 2025) in Mombasa, Kenya. The framework identifies actions across three priority areas: sustainable shipping governance, shipping and port infrastructure development, and skills development and job creation.
"What we will remember in particular from this workshop is the common determination expressed throughout these three days: the determination to ensure that the voice of French-speaking African States is heard in international discussions and that the maritime sector's energy transition is both ambitious and equitable, while also creating opportunities for the region," said IMO Technical Officer Camille Bourgeon.
Participants explored investment needs in port infrastructure, alternative fuel supply chains, human capital and institutional capacities. They also discussed the importance of active regional participation in developing IMO measures, preparing for future requirements and capturing emerging economic opportunities.
Enhancing regional cooperation
The workshop enabled countries to identify priority needs, exchange experiences and lessons learned, and consider practical actions to benefit from maritime decarbonization.
"Participants indicated their willingness to continue pursuing the objectives of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy through enhanced cooperation among French-speaking African States," said Colonel-Major Julien Yao Kouassi, Director-General of Maritime Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire.
Participants emphasized that strengthened regional cooperation and collective action will be essential to delivering a successful and lasting maritime energy transition.
Participating countries included Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Morocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, Togo and Tunisia.
The African Union Commission was also represented. Representatives from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Académie Régionale des Sciences et Techniques de la Mer (ARSTM), and Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Côte d'Ivoire contributed perspectives on workforce, financing and regional cooperation challenges associated with a just transition.
