Africa: King Mohammed VI calls on the black continent to take its maritime destiny in hand
The “Africa for the Ocean” summit opened with a historic gathering of African leaders and UN officials, signaling a bold continental push to reclaim control of maritime resources. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI delivered a defining message through his opening address, urging African nations to shift from passive observers to active architects of their oceanic future.
The summit exposed the stark contrast between Africa’s vast marine resources estimated to hold $300 billion annual economic potential and its current marginal role in global ocean governance.
Participants framed maritime control as fundamental to addressing continental food security, energy transitions, and climate resilience challenges.
Several coastal nations showcased concrete progress through new port developments and blue economy investments, while landlocked Sahel states negotiated vital access agreements.
The discussions crystallized around creating an integrated African maritime strategy, with particular focus on:
- Transforming the Atlantic coastline into a secure trade and security corridor
- Establishing continent-wide standards for sustainable resource extraction
- Developing shared surveillance systems against illegal fishing and piracy
As a precursor to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the “Africa for the Ocean Summit” marked Africa’s determination to present a unified position on international maritime policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron, hosting the summit, pledged European technical support while African leaders emphasized the need for partnerships that respect continental sovereignty.
The closing declaration committed participants to regular ministerial meetings, with Tanzania offering to host the next gathering in 2024 as Africa races to capitalize on what experts call “the blue continent’s last development frontier.”
Smith OKAFOR
