IMDEC 25 CLOSED – Ghana Peace Journal

Introduction

The 4th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 25), held in Accra, Ghana, from 8–9 July 2025, concluded with a strong emphasis on collaborative frameworks to secure Africa’s maritime domain. Representing a pivotal moment for regional security, the event brought together over 200 delegates from 25 nations, including chiefs of naval staff, policymakers, and private sector partners. Hosted by Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and chaired by Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, IMDEC 25 underscored the urgency of addressing piracy, illegal fishing, and evolving geopolitical threats while promoting sustainable maritime growth. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the conference’s outcomes, strategies, and implications for Africa’s maritime future.

Analysis

Key Themes of IMDEC 25

IMDEC 25 focused on five critical areas: maritime security cooperation, blue economy development, technological innovation, naval infrastructure, and legal harmonization. Discussions centered on leveraging the Yaoundé Code of Conduct—a binding treaty underpinning the African Union’s Combined Maritime Force—to combat piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing. The conference highlighted the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Systems (YARIS), a digital platform enabling real-time maritime domain awareness and coordinated response mechanisms.

Technological Advancements in Maritime Security

AI-driven threat detection, unmanned surveillance systems, and blockchain-based data sharing emerged as transformative tools discussed at IMDEC 25. Participants emphasized the need for interoperable technologies to enhance situational awareness, particularly in high-risk zones like the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria’s “Trinity of Action” initiative, which integrates fleet modernization with AI-powered analytics, was cited as a model for regional replication.

Blue Economy and Maritime Governance

The Blue Economy—valued at $SPLIT-BPN$ billion annually in West Africa—was framed as a driver of regional prosperity. Senegal stressed the need to address IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing through enhanced surveillance, while Mauritania linked coastal protection to climate resilience. Ghana’s commitment to the Yaoundé Code coincided with its efforts to expand offshore resource exploitation while ensuring equitable revenue distribution.

Summary

IMDEC 25 reinforced Africa’s resolve to create a unified maritime security architecture. Key achievements included agreements to modernize naval fleets, adopt AI-driven surveillance, and establish transnational task forces. The conference also endorsed modular shipbuilding programs and public-private partnerships to reduce reliance on foreign expertise. By aligning with the African Union’s 2030 Agenda for the Blue Economy, stakeholders agreed to prioritize regional capacity-building and inclusive governance frameworks.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Strengthening National Maritime Frameworks

• Invest in Modular Fleet Programs: Upgrade naval capabilities with Gulf-going patrol vessels designed for multi-mission roles (surveillance, interception, SAR).
• Foster Academic-Industry Alliances: Ghana’s University of Energy and Natural Resources launched the “Dakar BlueTech Initiative” to train engineers in maritime AI systems.
• Regional Knowledge Hubs: Establish the proposed Atlantic Maritime Fusion Centre (AMFC) to centralize data-sharing between Ghana, Senegal, and Cape Verde.

Policy Recommendations for Governments

• Ratify the Yaoundé Code of Conduct to harmonize anti-piracy laws and fishery regulations.
• Launch regional procurement platforms to reduce costs of vessel maintenance and cyber-security software.
• Develop a continental blue economy governance charter to ensure equitable resource management.

Points of Caution

Sustainability Concerns

While IMDEC 25 advocated for eco-friendly naval technologies, environmental groups warned against expanding offshore drilling in ecologically sensitive West African waters. Mauritania’s push for deep-sea mining initiatives drew criticism over long-term sustainability risks.

Legal Ambiguities in PMSOps

The conference acknowledged gaps in regulating Private Military Security Operations (PMSOps). Ghana proposed drafting a regional legal framework to clarify liability in joint task force operations involving private contractors.

Comparison: IMDEC 25 vs. Previous Maritime Conferences

Legal Implications

IMDEC 25 highlighted the legal gray areas surrounding joint task forces operating under the Yaoundé Code. For instance, Ghana’s Maritime Security Operations Centre (MSEC) partners privately owned surveillance vessels. Without clear governance frameworks, disputes over data sovereignty or tactical authority remain unresolved. Experts urged expedited revisions to the Yaoundé Scenic Protocol to address these gaps.

Conclusion

IMDEC 25 marks a turning point for African maritime security, blending technological innovation with regional diplomacy. By prioritizing the Yaoundé Architecture, sustainable blue economy models, and AI-driven threat detection, the conference laid a roadmap for resilient maritime governance. However, success hinges on addressing legal ambiguities, ensuring equitable resource sharing, and scaling up collaborative training.

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