As the world converges in the beautiful city of Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), a vital message resounds: it’s time for action, not just words. Under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for global ocean governance, especially concerning Africa’s blue economy.
Africa’s Ocean Imperative
The figures that define Africa’s connection to the ocean are compelling. The blue economy, valued at up to $450 billion annually, is not merely a statistic; it represents a significant opportunity for growth and development across the continent. This sector plays an essential role in achieving Agenda 2063, specifically Goal Six, which identifies the blue economy as a key driver of accelerated economic growth. It reflects our vision of "The Africa We Want."
Africa is home to 38 coastal and island states and boasts 47,000 kilometers of coastline surrounded by three oceans and seven seas, with 85 commercial ports serving as gateways to global markets. Yet, the reach of Africa’s blue wealth extends beyond the coastlines. With 677 lakes and 63 transboundary river basins, our freshwater resources are critical for inland communities. Over 38% of Africa’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast, and nearly 50 million people are currently employed within marine and freshwater sectors—this number is projected to increase to 85 million by 2035. Among them are 13.5 million small-scale fishers and aquaculture farmers who are the backbone of our food security, contributing about $24 billion to the continent’s GDP.
Looking ahead, the potential of Africa’s blue economy could surpass $1.5 trillion annually by 2050. This potential is not just an economic opportunity; it symbolizes a sustainable future we are committed to building collectively.
AUDA-NEPAD’s Strategic Alignment
AUDA-NEPAD plays a crucial role in aligning with the objectives of UNOC3, acting as a bridge between global ocean commitments and the realities faced by African nations. Our mandate focuses on coordinating and executing key regional and continental projects to accelerate the realization of Agenda 2063.
For Africa, the blue economy is multi-faceted, extending beyond traditional maritime sectors to include our vast inland waters—great lakes, mighty rivers, and wetlands that support millions of livelihoods in both coastal and landlocked states. This perspective honors cultural connections to water that have existed for millennia and emphasizes the importance of women as central actors in this domain. Traditional knowledge must be integrated alongside contemporary scientific approaches to drive effective action.
Africa’s Unified Voice and Strategic Priorities
The African consultation held in Tangier, Morocco, has brought forth a unified voice for UNOC3, emphasizing our commitment to sustainable ocean management. With the active participation of over 500 young Africans and Member States, we recognize the multifaceted challenges our oceans and inland ecosystems face, including resource overexploitation, inadequate governance, rapid coastal population growth, habitat degradation, and pollution.
Africa’s Blue Economy Strategy envisions “an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.” In response to the conference’s focus areas, we have outlined three strategic priorities:
Multilateral Ocean Processes: Africa is committed to strengthening frameworks such as UNCLOS while advancing our Africa Ocean Governance Strategy. This is crucial for enhancing coordination and addressing existing governance gaps.
Blue Economy Finance: We advocate for innovative financing mechanisms tailored to support sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, renewable ocean energy, and maritime transport development.
- Ocean Science and Knowledge: Recognizing the need for capacity building, technology transfer, and strengthening marine science capabilities is essential for informing evidence-based ocean policies.
The Imperative for Acceleration
Despite these promising strategies and frameworks, the reality starkly contrasts our ambitions; Africa’s blue economy potential remains largely untapped. While we have made strides in developing policies and frameworks, the pace of implementation lags behind the mounting challenges we face.
Issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and illegal fishing are not waiting for us to catch up. Therefore, as we embrace the conference’s call for accelerating action and mobilizing all stakeholders, we must understand two critical words: acceleration and action. This requires us to move beyond studies and strategies towards tangible, measurable steps that reflect our commitment to sustainable practices.
In this moment of urgency, we are challenged to shift our focus, to prioritize action over rhetoric. It’s time to ensure that our oceans, which hold immense promise, are safeguarded and utilized sustainably. The path ahead will require collaboration, innovative financing, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to enhancing the capacities of individuals and communities involved in the blue economy.
As participants in this conference, we charge ourselves with the responsibility to remain steadfast in our actions. Our oceans and freshwater resources demand our attention and our commitment to sustainable use and conservation. We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away—Africa’s blue economy is not just a concept; it is the foundation upon which our future must be built.
By mobilizing all actors and ensuring that discussions translate into concrete actions, we can truly make a difference. This is a collective journey, and there is no better time than now to act decisively and effectively in transforming Africa’s blue economy for generations to come.
