Activities
Workshop: “Training engineering and technological innovation: Towards a harmonization of programs and alignment with international standards in the ATLAFCO Region.”
ATLAFCO Leverages REFMA to Structure Maritime Training in Africa
Tangier, April 13–15, 2026 – ATLAFCO organized a regional workshop dedicated to the harmonization of training Programs for the benefit of the Maritime Training Institutions Network (REFMA).
Bringing together high-level experts and representatives of member states, this strategic meeting laid the foundations for a coherent, modernized maritime training framework fully aligned with international standards.
This initiative made it possible to carry out a comprehensive assessment of maritime training programs within the ATLAFCO region. Discussions highlighted the significant progress achieved in recent years, while also underscoring persistent challenges, particularly regarding the quality of education, the harmonization of curricula, and alignment with labor market requirements. In this context, participants emphasized the need for stronger integration of international standards, such as the STCW-F Convention, as well as the importance of adopting innovative teaching approaches in line with ongoing changes in the maritime and fisheries sectors.
The work led to the development of an action plan structured around pedagogical, technological, human, and administrative priorities. This strategic framework aims to support REFMA member institutions in their modernization processes by providing them with appropriate and effective tools to meet the demands of a constantly evolving environment.
On the sidelines of the workshop, the 7th REFMA General Assembly was marked by the renewal of its executive board, with the election of Professor Ibrahim Imorou Toko of Benin as its President. This new leadership reflects the strong commitment of member states to strengthening the network’s strategic role as a key driver for the development of human skills in Africa’s maritime sector.
Furthermore, a visit to the Maritime Fisheries Technology Institute in Larache provided a concrete illustration of the quality standards expected in vocational training, while highlighting best practices to be promoted and disseminated at the regional level.
The Tangier meeting marks a decisive milestone in building an integrated, modern African maritime training space aligned with international standards. Through this collective momentum, ATLAFCO, in close collaboration with REFMA, reaffirms its determination to promote strengthened regional cooperation and to support the sustainable development of the maritime sector, placing human capital at the heart of transformation and performance for the sustainable use of living marine resources.
Overview of the maritime training system in the ATLAFCO Region
