Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation (LEAP) Phase II

LEAP Phase II marks the next stage in a growing African-led initiative aimed at shaping the future of maritime decarbonisation. Building on the foundations laid in Phase I, this phase seeks to deepen Africa’s technical and diplomatic capacity, ensuring that African countries are not only present in global negotiations at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) but also influential in shaping the rules, mechanisms, and funding structures that will guide the transition to net-zero shipping. At its heart, LEAP Phase II is about enabling a Just Transition: one that reflects Africa’s priorities in food security, economic resilience, and equitable access to new technologies. Through workshops, research, technical analysis, and inclusive engagement, the project positions Africa to lead with evidence, unity, and a clear purpose in the global maritime decarbonisation agenda.

Overview

The Strategic Imperative

The global maritime industry is undergoing a major transformation towards a Net-Zero Framework for shipping. For this transition to be just, Africa must evolve from a participant to a leader—shaping rules, mechanisms, and funding structures that reflect the continent’s realities.

LEAP Phase II is the strategic response to this need. It expands on the technical and policy foundations laid in Phase I, which engaged six pilot countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, and Kenya—by broadening the reach to include Francophone nations and establishing PATNA as a lasting institutional home.

Project Architecture: Four Core Workstreams

Diplomatic Capacity Building

Formalization of PATNA as a professional secretariat.
A two-day Francophone workshop in Dakar for nine countries to strengthen participation in IMO processes.
Translation of all LEAP materials into French and Portuguese to ensure full Pan-African inclusivity.

Policy and Technical Analysis

Africa-wide socioeconomic analysis on food security, energy transition, and revenue flows.
Replication of LEAP I’s technical studies for Francophone countries.
Ports Readiness Feasibility Study to assess African port capacity for low-carbon transition.

Regional and International Engagement

Representation at global events such as the UN Ocean Conference and IMO meetings.
Integration of shipping decarbonization within broader development narratives like community resilience and coastal health.
Promotion of Africa’s global maritime reputation as a proactive leader.

Sustainable Institutional Development

Establishment of PATNA as a registered, independent secretariat.
Appointment of regional coordinators for operational reach.
Development of fundraising capabilities to sustain long-term activities.

Methodology

LEAP Phase II employs a collaborative, data-driven, and inclusive methodology that connects research, policy influence, and institutional sustainability. The approach integrates five mutually reinforcing pillars:

Workshops and Convenings:
Regional workshops—such as the Dakar Francophone session—build shared understanding, foster solidarity, and enhance negotiation readiness.
Data-Driven Research and Analysis:
Partnerships with institutions such as University College London (UCL), FAO consultants, and LEAP I researchers ensure rigorous evidence-based outputs. Studies will explore key intersections like biofuel demand, food security, and equitable energy transitions.
Knowledge Translation and Inclusivity:
All technical outputs will be published in English, French, and Portuguese to promote accessibility and equitable participation across linguistic regions.
Strategic Engagement and Representation:
Technical evidence will be paired with compelling social and economic narratives to strengthen Africa’s influence at the IMO and other global platforms.
Institutional Development:
The formalization of PATNA underpins sustainability, creating a permanent platform for technical coordination, capacity building, and policy advocacy beyond the project’s duration.

This integrated framework ensures that Africa’s voice is grounded in data, amplified through diplomacy, and sustained through strong institutions.

Expected Outcomes

LEAP Phase II aims to deliver transformative, interconnected outcomes that reposition Africa as a leading force in global maritime governance.

Institutionalized Leadership and Diplomatic Influence

Establishment of the PATNA Secretariat as the institutional home for Africa’s maritime decarbonization agenda.
Enhanced participation of Francophone countries, bridging long-standing linguistic and structural divides.
Creation of a unified African diplomatic presence at the IMO.

Evidence-Based and Data-Driven Policy

Publication of a comprehensive socioeconomic paper submitted to the IMO advocating for an African-focused Just Transition Fund.
New technical toolkits and emission inventories for Francophone nations.
A ports readiness study that provides a concrete, data-backed budget proposal for negotiations.

Enhanced Regional Readiness and Collaboration

Strengthened negotiation capacity across African states through workshops and shared technical resources.
Multilingual outputs promoting inclusive participation and shared understanding.
Greater regional solidarity in addressing Net-Zero policy implications.

Amplified Global Impact and Narrative Control

Representation of African positions at high-profile international events such as UNOC and IMO sessions.
Integration of maritime sustainability within broader African development and resilience narratives.
Establishment of Africa as a proactive, agenda-setting actor in global maritime decarbonization.

The Professional African Technical Network Advisory (PATNA) Initiative is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting African-centred climate action and energy transition pathways grounded in evidence, collaboration, and institutional understanding.