Addis Ababa, 28 August 2025 – On 14 August 2025, the African Union announced the entry into force of the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter (2010), following the deposit of the fifteenth instrument of ratification by Uganda. This momentous occasion marks a historic step forward for the maritime sector on our continent, fifteen years after its adoption by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Kampala on 26 July 2010.

This is a significant step in the implementation of the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter, a landmark continental instrument that strengthens Africa’s maritime governance and integration agenda. In this context, the African Union Commission would like to congratulate the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Togo and Uganda.

This milestone is the culmination of over a decade of sustained advocacy and Member State commitment. It marks a decisive step in Africa’s determination to establish a coherent and modern legal foundation for maritime governance, continental trade, and the sustainable development of Africa’s blue economy.

H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission, welcomed the achievement, stating,
“The entry into force of the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter is a testament to Africa’s collective resolve to unlock the vast opportunities of our seas and inland waterways. It equips our continent with a forward-looking framework to secure our maritime domain, foster trade competitiveness, and drive socio-economic transformation under the AfCFTA.”

The Charter seeks to harmonise national and regional maritime policies in line with Agenda 2063, while strengthening cooperation among maritime administrations, shippers’ councils, and port authorities. It enhances Africa’s capacity to ensure maritime safety, promote port efficiency, protect the marine environment, and develop multimodal transport corridors connecting both coastal and landlocked states. Furthermore, it provides a basis for investments in shipbuilding and port infrastructure, expands opportunities for maritime training and employment, and emphasizes the inclusion of women and youth in the maritime sector.

Reflecting on the journey, Dr Raissa-Julie Ada Allogo Senior Policy Officer-Transport at the African Union Commission, noted,
“This achievement is the result of many years of dedicated advocacy and collaboration with AU Member States. The Charter now provides Africa with a continental tool to guide its maritime transformation, rooted in African ownership and aligned with international standards.”

The Revised African Maritime Transport Charter, which updates and supersedes the 1993 African Maritime Transport Charter, was formally adopted by the African Union Assembly in Kampala, Uganda, on 26 July 2010. Its entry into force in 2025 signals the beginning of a new phase of implementation, including the establishment of the Continental Unit and a Follow-up Committee of States Parties, which will monitor progress and foster cooperation.

This achievement underscores Africa’s determination to harness its maritime potential as a strategic driver of integration, job creation, and prosperity.

For More Information Contact:
Raissa-Julie Ada Allogo| Senior Policy Officer; Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union| email: adaallogor@africanunion.org

For Media Inquiries:

Bezayit Eyoel| Information Analyst| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: BezayitE@africanunion.org|

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org