AU’S 2050 AIM-Strategy once more in the Focus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Addis-Ababa, July 12, 2013 – In London, at its Headquarters, the IMO TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE (TCC) organized its 63rd SESSION. A two (2) days meeting which started on July 10, 2013 and ended on July 12, 2013.

One of the items of the programme during this important event in the Maritime area, is the Information on the Outcome of the Second Conference of African Ministers responsible for Maritime-related Affairs, organized by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from December 3-6, 2012, specifically the AU’S 2050 AFRICA'S INTEGRATED MARITIME STRATEGY (2050 AIM-STRATEGY).

This shows the willingness of collaboration between the IMO and the Africa Union, both Institutions looking in the same direction in order to emphasize and to bring to daily reality the creation of wealth for Populations through the blue growth.

Let’s recall the message of Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, during the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) held in Yokohama, Japan from June 1-3, 2013: “My message to TICAD V was that, as set out in the African Union's 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy, maritime development should be placed at a high position in the Post 2015 Development Agenda.” ... “I ask all African countries to please see the way forward. New frontiers and opportunities are wide open to you; that is maritime development, the blue economy and blue growth.”

Let’s also recall the main objective of the AU 2050 AIM-Strategy which is to foster increased wealth creation from Africa's inland waters, oceans and seas by developing a sustainable blue economy in a stable, safe, secure and environmentally responsible manner. Maritime safety and security, and marine environment protection are also, among others, the strategic objectives to be achieved.

The AU Commission is the main coordination organ for facilitating the implementation of the 2050 AIM-Strategy and its Plan of Action, in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the IMO.

Related documents are available on www.au.int/maritime.