Climate rules risk strangling Africa’s maritime economy

Maritime and climate experts have warned that Africa risks being sidelined in shaping the future of global shipping, as weak representation, poor data systems, and limited financing continue to undermine the continent’s influence in critical decarbonisation negotiations.

The warning came at a continental validation workshop on green ports and maritime greenhouse gas reduction held in Abuja on Tuesday, where stakeholders pushed for an urgent, unified African strategy to avoid becoming “rule takers” in a rapidly evolving global maritime order.

At the centre of the concern is the proposed net-zero framework under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), designed to cut emissions from international shipping.

They noted that despite initial approval in April, adoption stalled in October amid deep divisions among member states, exposing Africa’s weak negotiating position.

Dola Oluteye, Founder and Co-Chair of the Professional African Technical Network Advisory Initiative, said the delay reflects deeper structural problems, including lack of consensus and insufficient technical understanding among countries.

She noted that uncertainty around carbon revenue-sharing mechanisms has further complicated Africa’s stance.

“There is not very much clarity in terms of the amount of money these revenues would generate or how much would come to Africa,” she said.

A major structural disadvantage highlighted at the workshop is Africa’s limited voting power within the IMO.

Although the continent accounts for 44 of the organisation’s 176 members, only 18 have ratified the MARPOL Annex VI treaty, making them eligible to vote on key emissions policies.

This gap, Oluteye warned, significantly weakens Africa’s leverage.

“If any of those countries have not fulfilled their financial obligations, they will not even be called to vote,” she said, urging governments to fast-track ratification to strengthen Africa’s voice.

She stressed that unity remains Africa’s strongest negotiating tool: “Speaking with one voice is the only way we can make a difference.”

Experts also raised concerns that emerging global climate policies could deepen economic imbalances.

“The European Union’s emissions trading system, for instance, is already generating revenue through carbon taxation to fund Europe’s green transition, with little or no financial recycling to Africa.

“This comes despite the continent’s heavy reliance on maritime transport, which accounts for over 90 percent of its trade.

“Without strategic positioning, analysts warn Africa could bear rising costs without benefiting from the financial flows tied to decarbonisation.

“Infrastructure deficits and regulatory gaps could also make African ports less attractive to global shipping lines”, Oluteye mentioned.

Paul Adalikwu, Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa, warned that non-compliance with emerging green standards could deter shipowners.

“Shipowners may avoid our ports for fear of penalties, leaving us dependent entirely on foreign-owned compliant vessels,” he said.

He described the validation of green port guidelines as a critical step toward transforming African ports into energy-efficient and globally competitive trade hubs.

According to analysts, beyond policy gaps, financing remains a major bottleneck, as high capital costs, ranging between 11 and over 20 percent, are limiting investments in clean energy and port infrastructure across the continent.

They warned that without access to affordable climate finance, Africa risks falling behind in the global shift toward greener shipping systems.

Adalikwu emphasised that progress will depend on securing funding, technology transfer, and capacity building for maritime institutions.

Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States, called for climate policies that reflect Africa’s economic realities.

“Africa contributes the least to global emissions, yet faces the greatest constraints,” he said, urging policymakers to prioritise efficiency, lower port costs, and trade competitiveness.

Participants described the Abuja meeting as a turning point, marking the first time African countries have come together at this scale to coordinate a common position on maritime decarbonisation.

They agreed that stronger regional cooperation, policy alignment, and accelerated reforms will be essential to ensure the sector supports trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).