African maritime officials are grappling with the implications of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net Zero Framework (NZF) for the shipping industry, fearing increased trade costs or reduced competitiveness for the continent. The debate over full adoption versus strategic resistance was a central theme at the Regional African Port States Meeting in Mombasa.

• Over 90 percent of Africa’s external trade relies on sea transport, making global shipping regulations highly impactful.
• The IMO postponed the adoption of the NZF for one year in October 2025 due to opposition from nations, including some African Union countries, concerned about increased costs from proposed levies on high-emitting ships.
• Kenya’s special envoy for climate change, Ali Mohamed, and AAMA Chairman and KMA Director General, Omae Nyarandi, emphasized the need for Africa to present a coherent and prepared negotiating stance to shape the future of decarbonized shipping and leverage opportunities like green finance and alternative fuels.