African Union to host blue economy week and African seas and oceans day

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and key stakeholders, is set to host the Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW-24) and commemorate African Seas and Oceans Day from July 23 to 25.

This event aims to promote inclusive and sustainable blue growth across the continent.

The theme for this year, “Strengthening Africa’s Blue Renaissance,” emphasizes the need for collective effort and innovation to build a vibrant blue sector.

Africa’s extensive coastline and abundant marine resources present exceptional opportunities for transformative economic and social development.

Despite this potential, environmental degradation, overexploitation, and infrastructure deficits have hindered progress.

This year’s edition seeks to address these challenges to unlock Africa’s blue potential.

The blue economy, an emerging concept that emphasizes the sustainable use and preservation of marine and aquatic resources, represents a significant opportunity for Africa.

With vast coastlines, numerous waterways, and inland lakes, the continent has immense potential to develop a thriving blue economy. However, this ambition faces several obstacles.

Overfishing poses a major threat, depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine ecosystems.

Additionally, African oceans are increasingly polluted by plastics, agricultural chemicals, and industrial waste, affecting marine biodiversity and human health, and harming tourism and fishing industries.

A well-structured blue economy can offer substantial economic growth opportunities, particularly in sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, coastal and maritime tourism, renewable marine energy, and marine biotechnology.

Developing the blue economy could generate millions of jobs, especially in coastal communities where unemployment is high.

Aquaculture, for instance, provides opportunities for sustainable and well-paying employment.

The blue economy remains a viable path for sustainable development in Africa.

However, to realize its potential, it is crucial to address challenges related to resource management, pollution, climate change, and infrastructure in coastal countries.