Advancing maritime security through the Yaoundé Architecture, the Djibouti Code of Conduct and inclusive maritime governance

Register for the African Maritime Governance Forum
14–15 December 2026 | Dakar, Senegal

Format: In person

Participation: Free of charge, subject to application and confirmation

Organized by: UNITAR, with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office
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About the Forum

Africa’s maritime domain underpins trade, regional integration, coastal livelihoods and sustainable Blue Economy development. However, evolving physical, cyber and hybrid threats to critical maritime infrastructure and strategic shipping routes call for stronger regional cooperation, coordinated surveillance and resilient governance.

The Yaoundé Architecture and the Djibouti Code of Conduct provide complementary frameworks for maritime security and governance in Africa. Greater exchange between the Gulf of Guinea and the Western Indian Ocean offers opportunities to strengthen cooperation, share practical experience and address common challenges, while respecting regional ownership and institutional mandates.

Building on the 2025 Conference on Maritime Security in Accra, convened by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the 2026 African Maritime Governance Forum will bring together African institutions and partners to translate political dialogue into practical cooperation. The Forum will take stock of progress, identify outstanding challenges and develop a concise set of actionable follow-up measures.

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Concept Note184.38 KB

What will the Forum address?

The Forum will focus on three interconnected priorities to strengthen regional cooperation, protect critical maritime infrastructure and translate policy dialogue into practical action.

Regional maritime governance and cooperation arrow

Strengthening cooperation under the Yaoundé Architecture and the Djibouti Code of Conduct, including the exchange of experience and approaches to regional coordination.

Maritime surveillance and critical infrastructure protection arrow

Exploring practical approaches to Maritime Domain Awareness, information-sharing, preparedness and resilience, and the protection of ports, subsea communications cables, offshore energy installations, pipelines and strategic shipping routes.

Partnerships and implementation arrow

Connecting governments, regional institutions, technical experts, industry and other stakeholders to identify practical cooperation opportunities, strengthen institutional capacities and support sustainable maritime governance.

Sustainability, environmental stewardship and inclusive participation will be considered across the discussions.

From dialogue to action

The Forum will combine high-level dialogue, focused technical exchanges and a facilitated implementation policy lab. Participants will work towards:

  • identifying a limited number of shared regional priorities;
  • developing up to three practical priority actions, with proposed regional leads, supporting partners and indicative next steps;
  • identifying opportunities for technical assistance, capacity development and targeted partnerships; and
  • preparing a concise follow-up matrix to support continued cooperation.

The Forum will also take stock of progress on the recommendations of the 2025 Conference on Maritime Security in Accra and consider practical cooperation between the two regional frameworks.

Particular attention will be given to the ongoing review of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct within the wider Yaoundé Architecture. The review remains under the leadership and decision-making authority of the relevant African institutions. The Forum will not seek to endorse or adopt revisions.

The proposed follow-up measures will support African-led cooperation and build on existing regional mechanisms, without creating parallel structures. The discussions will contribute to broader continental and international priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Who should participate?

The Forum is intended for government representatives, regional organizations, maritime and security authorities, international and development partners, academia, private-sector operators, civil society organizations and representatives of coastal communities.

Particular attention will be given to bringing together stakeholders working on maritime governance, surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and regional cooperation, including women’s and youth networks.

Registration and practical information

The African Maritime Governance Forum 2026 will take place in person in Dakar, Senegal, on 14–15 December 2026. Participation is free of charge and subject to application and confirmation.

Please use the registration button above to submit your application.

Travel and accommodation: Participants are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements. UNITAR will generally not cover travel, accommodation or other expenses related to participation in the Forum.

For further information, please contact Carolina Martinho at carolina.martinho@unitar.org.

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