The 3rd African Union Blue Economy Week took place from July 22-25 in Luanda, Angola, under the theme “From Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa’s Blue Economy Transformation.” Co-organized by the African Union and the Government of Angola, the event brought together maritime and ocean stakeholders.
During the event, Angolan Vice President Esperança Maria da Costa and AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Blue Economy Moses Vilakati addressed the ministerial segment, stressing the role of the blue economy in Africa’s development.
Discussions covered the state of Africa’s blue economy, digital technologies and data systems, and the roles of women and youth. Participants noted that 80 percent of African states have integrated the sector into their national plans and that the blue economy could generate USD 405 billion and create 57 million jobs by 2030, while facing challenges of underinvestment, policy fragmentation, and uneven implementation. Progress was also reported on integrating the 2019 Africa Blue Economy Strategy into regional and sectoral frameworks.
The Ethiopian delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to unlock the country’s blue economy potential and called for coordinated action among African Member States to ensure maritime security. The delegation underscored that the underutilization and misuse of Africa’s maritime resources are sources of socio-economic and security challenges on the continent. Highlighting the fact that Africa’s maritime resources are increasingly exposed to external interests while intra-African cooperation remains limited, the delegation called for a united stance in the use and development of Africa’s maritime resources for the benefit of the continent.
It is to be recalled that the African Union adopted the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIM Strategy), which aims to address the continental outlook shaped by longstanding “sea blindness” that failed to recognize the maritime domain as an economic and security space. The Strategy envisages the establishment of a continental naval force and shipping company.
The 3rd African Union Blue Economy Week concluded with the adoption of the Luanda Declaration and Call to Action, setting out priorities and specific appeals to Member States, the AU Commission, and partners.