HISTORY OF AMSSA
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AMSSA, President
Mr Magnus Addico
"Africa's maritime future belongs to all Africans, not to any single nation or individual. AMSSA exists to serve the continent, and its leadership must remain above politics."
President Magnus Addico, AMSSA Founding Address, 2010
The African Maritime Safety and Security Agency (AMSSA) was conceived in response to the growing need for a coordinated, continent-wide approach to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in Africa. The idea for AMSSA was first formally discussed during the 3rd Assembly of the ICHCA Canaries-Africa Regional Charter Ports conference, held in Accra, Ghana, on 10–11 December 2007. This gathering brought together key maritime stakeholders from across Africa to address the increasing challenges posed by maritime threats, accidents, and the need for harmonized safety standards. AMSSA was officially established with Mr Magnus Addico the Secretary General of MOWCA in 2007, marking a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s maritime governance and capacity. Its creation aligned with the African Union’s broader vision for integrated maritime strategy and regional cooperation, as outlined in the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIM Strategy). Since its inception, AMSSA has aimed to provide scientific, technical, and intelligence support to African Member States and maritime stakeholders, focusing on the safe, secure, and environmentally responsible movement of maritime transport and the prevention of loss of life at sea. AMSSA’s development reflects Africa’s recognition of the strategic importance of its vast maritime domain, the need for robust crisis management and surveillance systems, and the value of harmonized training and operational protocols across the continent. Over the years, AMSSA has worked to advance these goals by fostering partnerships, supporting capacity building, and promoting best practices in maritime safety and security.Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Professor Magnus Teye Addico is the founding President-for-Life of the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency (AMSSA) and one of the continent’s most respected maritime strategists. Before AMSSA’s creation, he served as Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), where he led regional efforts to unify 25 West and Central African states around a common maritime agenda. As MOWCA Secretary-General, President Addico played a decisive role in conceptualising and negotiating the Integrated Coastguard Function Network for West and Central Africa, which divided the sub region into coordinated coastguard zones from Mauritania to Angola. Under his leadership, these zones, now implemented and widely recognised as the West Africa coastguard zones, created a practical framework for joint maritime surveillance, search and rescue, environmental protection, and law enforcement cooperation. His work with IMO and MOWCA to design and promote this network laid the operational and political foundations for today’s Gulf of Guinea maritime security architecture, including the zone based cooperation that underpins regional initiatives against piracy, IUU fishing and transnational crime. President Addico’s experience in creating this pioneering coastguard network directly inspired AMSSA’s own model of continental coordination, integrated maritime domain awareness, and regional burden sharing. In recognition of his historic contribution to African maritime governance, AMSSA’s founding instruments designate Professor Addico as President for Life and permanent institutional figurehead, ensuring that his name, vision and office remain above day to day political competition and member state rivalries. Even after his passing, he will continue to be listed as President in AMSSA’s governance documents, with an elected Vice President and Secretary General responsible for operational leadership under his enduring presidency. Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Secretary General,
African Maritime Safety and Security Agency
Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu (Rtd.)
The time for fragmentation is past. The time for continental maritime distinction is now.
For too long, Africa's maritime challenges have been managed in isolation, our opportunities squandered by duplication and poor coordination. Today, through AMSSA, we are choosing a different path. We are choosing continental integration. We are choosing harmonised standards. We are choosing a shared technical hub. We are choosing a secure, safe, sustainable and prosperous African maritime legacy for our future generations .
Our work is not the work of one agency or one year, it is the work of a continent committed to securing its maritime domain for the benefit of all Africans.
On behalf of AMSSA and on my own behalf, I invite every member state, every regional maritime body, every international partner, and every African maritime professional to join this continental movement. Together, we will build the maritime governance architecture that Africa's people, resources and future deserve.
AMSSA Administrative Board (the Board of Commissioners)
The AMSSA Administrative Board (the Board of Commissioners) serves as the Agency’s primary governing and oversight body and is constituted in accordance with AMSSA’s charitable Articles of Association. As a charity and specialised agency of Africa, AMSSA’s Board of Commissioners also fulfils the role of a board of trustees, holding fiduciary responsibility for the organisation’s assets, reputation and long term mission on behalf of all Africa member states. The Board of Commissioners is composed of individuals selected in their personal capacity for their proven knowledge, integrity and expertise in key areas of African maritime governance, including maritime safety, security, port management, fisheries, blue economy, environmental protection, finance, law, and regional integration. In line with AMSSA’s Pan African mandate, Commissioners are appointed to reflect Africa’s geographic, linguistic and legal diversity, with balanced representation from West, Central, North, East and Southern Africa and both coastal and land linked states. Acting collectively under the permanent presidency of Professor Magnus Teye Addico, and direction of the Secretary General, the Board of Commissioners is responsible for approving AMSSA’s strategic direction, agreeing the annual work programme and budget, appointing and overseeing the Secretary General, and monitoring performance against the five year strategic framework. The Board also ensures that AMSSA’s activities remain strictly non profit, independent and technically driven, and that all decisions are taken in the best interests of African maritime safety, security and sustainable development as a whole. Mandate: The Administrative Board provides strategic oversight, approves the annual work programme, reviews budgets, appoints the Secretary General, and monitors agency performance against key performance indicators. The Board meets quarterly to assess progress on AMSSA's five strategic pillars.
Ambassador Nancy Karigithu
Ambassador Nancy Karigithu is a maritime lawyer and a Member of the Law Society of Kenya, Institute of Directors and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. During 2015 she was appointed as the first Principal Secretary for the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure & Urban Development. She guided Kenya’s successful bid to host the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center for Africa, and a nominee for the position of the Secretary General for the IMO.
Mr Imed Zammit
Mr Imed Zammit With over 32 years of experience in transport, logistics, and maritime security, Imed Zammit has held several senior management positions within major institutions. Working as a transport and logistics consultant, trainer and educational advisor at the Mediterranean Institute of Maritime Trades, appointed arbitrator at the Paris Maritime Arbitration Chamber. Imed also served as CEO of the Tunisian Navigation Company where he implemented development strategies, modernized the fleet, through digitalization and financial independence. He was key to the development of the AU (2009)African Maritime Transport Charter and significant contributor to the signing of international agreements in the maritime sector.
Mr. Raj Mohabeer
An economist by profession, Mr Raj Mohabeer holds, since 2000, the post of Officer in Charge at the General Secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission – an inter-governmental Organisation of the South-West Indian Ocean Island States. Prior to this period, he was working as an economist at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development of the Republic of Mauritius. His portfolio includes economic cooperation, trade, regional integration and infrastructure, maritime security and blue economy – areas of intervention that span to countries beyond the IOC Member States and region. He also deals with Small Islands Developing States issues together with the Pacific and Caribbean regions. Raj Mohabeer has gained extensive and deep knowledge of the region. Among the various dossiers under his responsibility, Mr Mohabeer has been promoting Blue Economy and has spearheaded the development of a Maritime Security Architecture for the Western Indian Ocean under the MASE Programme, actively advocating for the participation of the international community to join in. He has also been the head of the Secretariat for the Contact Group Against Piracy Off the Coast of Somalia.
Rear Admiral Ombo Godwill Sienpre Aye (Rtd)
Capt.Olaniyi Olaosebikan
AMSSA Organisational Structure and Units
The African Maritime Safety and Security Agency (AMSSA) is structured as a modern, mission-driven maritime authority serving the African Union and its 54 member states.
Under the visionary leadership of founding President Magnus Addico and operational command of the Secretary General, AMSSA operates through 11 specialized units organized around three core functions:
(1) Maritime Operations & Technical Services;
(2) Administrative & Support Services; and
(3) Strategic Intelligence & Communications.
Strategic Direction
The Mission of the African Maritime Safety and Security:
Vision
To provide a robust scientific and intelligence platform for African Member States and maritime stakeholders, dedicated to ensuring the safe, secure, and environmentally responsible movement of maritime transport, whilst prioritising the prevention of the loss of human life at sea.
Mission
AMSSA will lead the establishment and coordination of collaborative projects focused on African maritime safety, security, the protection of the marine environment, and the development of a sustainable Blue Economy. Through the development and integration of associated networks, AMSSA will:
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Promote and operationalise the African Maritime Transport Charter, aligning initiatives with its strategic goals and African Union frameworks.
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Coordinate and implement integrated sub-projects addressing key priorities in maritime safety, maritime security, marine environmental protection, and climate resilience.
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Advance projects from concept to implementation, transitioning initiatives from embryonic stages through pilot phases to operational delivery.
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Strengthen institutional and human capacity, offering technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and training for African maritime stakeholders.
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Facilitate multilateral stakeholder engagement, enhancing regional cooperation and partnership with governments, industry, academia, and civil society.
FIVE STRATEGIC PILLARS AND ASSOCIATED WORK AREAS (2026-2031)
PILLAR 1: MARITIME SAFETY & STANDARDS HARMONISATION
Objective: To ensure a high, uniform and effective level of maritime safety across Africa through development and harmonisation of African maritime standards aligned with international best practice. 5.1.1.1Key Work Areas: Development of Pan-African Maritime Safety Standards (vessel design, construction, equipment, crew competency) Harmonisation of African maritime legislation with IMO Conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, STCW) Risk Assessment and Maritime Accident Investigation Capability-Building Support to Member States on Transposition and Implementation of International Standards Enablers: Establish African Maritime Safety Standards Technical Working Group (convened by AMSSA) Commission independent technical studies on maritime safety gaps in African member states Develop model regulations and implementation guidance for member states Conduct regular training and capacity-building workshops on maritime safety standards Produce annual State of Maritime Safety in Africa report Expected Outcomes (by ,2031): Harmonised African maritime safety standards adopted by AU 80% of African member states have transposed IMO Conventions into national law Reduced maritime accident rates across African waters (20% reduction) Enhanced African voice in international maritime standard-setting forums (IMO)
PILLAR 2: MARITIME INSPECTIONS, AUDITS & COMPLIANCE MONITORING
Objective: To ensure effective implementation of maritime safety and security standards by providing objective, comparable audit information to AU and member states, and identifying best practices and areas for improvement. 5.1.1.2Key Work Areas: Auditing of Recognised Classification Societies (African and International) Port State Control (PSC) Monitoring and Harmonisation Across African Ports Flag State Implementation Audits (IMO Resolution A.847) Capacity Assessment of National Maritime Administrations Ship Safety and Port Facility Security Inspections Enablers: Develop AMSSA Audit Methodology (aligned with IMO and EMSA best practice) Establish AMSSA inspection teams and conduct pilot audits in 3–4 African maritime administrations (2026–2027) Create African PSC Data-Sharing Platform and harmonise inspection procedures Produce annual Horizontal Findings Reports to AU highlighting systemic issues and solutions Establish Memoranda of Understanding with International Classification Societies for collaborative audits Expected Outcomes (by 2031): 20+ African maritime administrations have been audited by AMSSA Harmonised PSC procedures adopted by 80% of African port states 30% improvement in maritime inspection procedures across African ports Reduced detention rates for sub-standard vessels in African ports
PILLAR 3: MARITIME SURVEILLANCE, DOMAIN AWARENESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Objective: To establish integrated maritime domain awareness across African maritime space, enabling early detection and prevention of maritime crimes, environmental emergencies, and natural hazards. 5.1.1.3Key Work Areas: Development of Pan-African Maritime Information System (AMIS) Vessel Monitoring and AIS Coordination (satellite and coastal networks) Environmental Monitoring (pollution detection, climate impact monitoring) Maritime Data Integration and Advanced Analytics Regional Information Fusion and Coordination Enablers: Scope and design AMIS architecture (Phase 1: 2026; Phase 2: Implementation 2027–2029) Establish MOUs with AU member states for data sharing and interoperability Procure AIS monitoring infrastructure (satellite coverage and coastal monitoring stations) Develop protocols for information exchange with regional maritime centers (CRESMAC, CRESMAO, ICC) Implement satellite-based environmental monitoring for illegal discharge detection Deploy climate change monitoring (sea-level rise, extreme weather tracking) Expected Outcomes (by 2031): AMIS operational and integrating data from 30+ African member states Real-time maritime domain awareness across African maritime space 50% increase in detection of IUU fishing vessels Early warning capability for maritime disasters and extreme weather events Coordinated response to oil spills and environmental emergencies
PILLAR 4: MARITIME SECURITY & PROTECTION AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIME
Objective: To provide technical support and coordination for detection, investigation and prosecution of maritime crimes, including piracy, IUU fishing, trafficking, and oil theft, in order to enhance African maritime security. 5.1.1.4Key Work Areas: Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea (PRAS) Prevention and Response Support IUU Fishing Enforcement and Sustainable Fisheries Management Trafficking and Smuggling Detection and Investigation Support Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering Prevention Maritime Cybersecurity and Port Facility Security Maritime Crime Prosecution Support and Legal Harmonisation Enablers: Develop AMSSA Maritime Crime Enforcement Guidelines (aligned with international law, UNCLOS, IMO) Establish Maritime Crime Intelligence and Information-Sharing Platform Support development of harmonised legal frameworks for maritime crime prosecution (model laws) Conduct regular joint training exercises with regional maritime centers (PRAS, IUU interdiction, SAR) Produce annual African Maritime Crime Threat Assessment Report Support establishment of task forces and joint patrol arrangements among member states Facilitate development of prosecutorial capacity in African courts Expected Outcomes (by ,2031): 40% reduction in piracy and armed robbery incidents in African waters Disruption of 60% more IUU fishing operations through coordinated enforcement Prosecution rates for maritime crimes increase from 30% Enhanced regional security cooperation (joint patrols, intelligence sharing) Improved maritime domain awareness enabling prevention of smuggling and trafficking
PILLAR 5: BLUE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Objective: To support African member states in operationalising blue economy strategies, enhancing environmental protection, and building resilience to climate impacts in African maritime zones. 5.1.1.5Key Work Areas: Sustainable Fisheries Management and Support to Blue Economy Sectors Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem Protection Oil Spill and Pollution Response Preparedness and Coordination Climate Change Adaptation in Coastal Communities Integrated Coastal Zone Management Support to SDG 14 and Sustainable Ocean Governance Enablers: Establish Blue Economy Knowledge Platform (documenting best practices, case studies, investment opportunities) Develop African Regional Pollution Response Plan (asset location, mutual aid agreements, response protocols) Conduct joint marine spill simulation exercises (at least annually 2026–,2031) Produce Climate Adaptation Guidance for African Coastal Ports and Communities Support establishment of marine protected areas and transboundary coordination mechanisms Facilitate private sector engagement in blue economy sectors (aquaculture, eco-tourism, renewables) Coordinate capacity building on marine spatial planning and integrated coastal management Expected Outcomes (by, 2031): 10+ African member states adopt marine spatial plans with AMSSA support Pollution response capacity established across major African ports Climate resilience of 50+ African coastal communities enhanced Effective protection of 10+ marine protected areas Blue economy value creation (fisheries, aquaculture, tourism) increased by 30% in supported member states Food security enhanced through sustainable fisheries management
