African countries are intensifying their campaign for a fair and inclusive global shipping emissions levy as climate negotiations resumed Monday at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, scheduled for April 7-11, will determine whether the proposed measure gains sufficient support to advance.
If adopted, the levy would become the first global carbon tax on a major polluting industry. The proposal—backed by over 60 countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, and Seychelles—would impose a price on greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, generating billions annually to fund the sector's transition to cleaner fuels.
For African nations, however, the discussion extends beyond emissions reduction. Many are insisting the mechanism address their specific development concerns: food security, climate resilience, and equitable revenue distribution.
"We're seeing real momentum through the 6PAC+ Alliance, with growing African support behind this historic initiative. The upcoming 83rd session of the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) will test our resolve but it's also our moment. With coordinated action, Africa can help shape the rules, not just follow them," said Eldine Chilembo Glees, an African maritime policy consultant and advocate for sustainable shipping from Angola.
"The shipping level is a rare chance to turn climate risk into investment. If well-designed, it could unlock billions to modernise our ports, safeguard coastlines, and support food and energy security. But that depends on how strongly we show up. Africa's priorities of food security, climate resilience, and fair revenue sharing must be part of the deal," Glees added.
Technical talks at the IMO this week revealed significant disagreements about the levy structure.
Despite more than half of member state interventions supporting a universal greenhouse gas levy, their positions were sidelined when the Working Group chair chose to advance a separate "bridging proposal."
In response, countries from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific—forming the ACP+ alliance—introduced a compromise framework called the Zero and Near-Zero contribution. This model aims to ensure predictable revenue while supporting an equitable energy transition.
"The universal levy remains on the table, and that's essential. There's a growing bloc — especially partners from Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific — that are closely united and focused on delivering ambition and equity for the Global South. But on equity, our voices are still being ignored," said Ambassador Albon Ishoda of the Marshall Islands.
The session concluded without consensus. Canada and the European Union signalled willingness to negotiate, while Brazil, China and the UAE expressed concerns about fairness. The United States remained largely silent until the session's end, when it questioned the levy's scope.
Africa has much riding on the outcome.
The continent relies heavily on maritime trade, and any increase in shipping costs could impact food prices, energy imports, and export competitiveness. Simultaneously, Africa faces acute vulnerability to climate change, with rising sea levels and intensifying floods already disrupting port operations.
The ACP+ alliance continues to emphasise the need for mid-term measures aligned with the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy while ensuring no country is left behind in the transition.
Minister Simon Kofe of Tuvalu stressed this urgency: "The GHG levy is how the IMO lives up to its promise of leaving no one behind while phasing out fossil fuels in time to hold the line on 1.5°C."
Delegates reconvened April 7 to continue negotiations. Observers expect the week to be decisive for the levy's future—and for Africa's influence in shaping it.
Policy experts urge African countries to coordinate their positions before the talks. Recommendations include forming working groups to analyse potential impacts, identifying infrastructure projects for potential levy funding, and preparing African maritime industries for new global standards.