Opportunities and Challenges in Africa’s Blue Economy

According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, the global ocean economy is valued at approximately $1.5 trillion annually, ranking it the seventh largest worldwide economy. Projections suggest this figure will double by 2030 to $3 trillion. The total worth of ocean assets (natural capital) is estimated at $24 trillion. In 2022, the Blue Economy generated nearly US$300 billion for Africa, creating 49 million jobs.

The Blue Economy encompasses various sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transport and trade, coastal and marine tourism, offshore oil and gas, marine renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and ocean governance and security. Despite its vast potential, Africa has not fully tapped into the ocean economy due to challenges like inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional frameworks, limited capacity, environmental degradation, illegal activities, and climate change impacts.

Let's examine opportunities and challenges within the fisheries and aquaculture subsector. In 2018, Africa's fish production reached around 12.5 million tonnes, with capture fisheries contributing 9.5 million tonnes and aquaculture 3 million tonnes. However, Africa's fish consumption surpassed its production, leading to a net import of approximately 4.9 million tonnes valued at USD 5.5 billion. Conversely, Africa exported about 2.3 million tonnes worth USD 6 billion, with major destinations including the European Union, China, the United States, and Japan. Key traded species include tuna, shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, sardines, hake, mackerel, and tilapia.

This trade imbalance highlights both the demand and market potential within Africa and the need to enhance domestic production while reducing import reliance. To achieve these goals, Africa must invest in infrastructure, technology, innovation, capacity building, governance, and management of fisheries and aquaculture resources. The many Blue Economy initiatives focusing on Africa present frameworks for such investment and collaboration, but the resources remain underutilized.

Regarding maritime transport and trade, Africa's current involvement is limited, but the climate change-driven transition from airfreight to sea freight is gaining momentum. Developing ports, shipping infrastructure, and services is crucial. Africa's extensive coastline of about 38,000 km offers immense potential for income and employment opportunities, yet many ports remain underdeveloped, inefficient, and congested. Improvements in port facilities, connectivity, logistics, and customs procedures can enhance environmental sustainability, reduce costs, and attract global trade. Only Durban seems to understand the business with about 4,500 vessels yearly and about 8,3000 containers per month, it conducts trade worth over $ 45 billion.

?Moreover, upgrading shipping fleets and adopting cleaner fuels and technologies can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with international environmental standards. Diversifying export products and markets, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area, optimizes trade routes and reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Regional integration and cooperation can harmonize policies and standards, promoting sustainable maritime transport and trade practices.

In coastal and marine tourism, Africa must balance exploitation with the preservation of its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Effective management and conservation strategies, such as marine protected areas and marine spatial planning, enhance resilience to climate change and ocean acidification. Investing in infrastructure, facilities, and services improves accessibility and attractiveness while ensuring the well-being of tourists and locals. Empowering local communities fosters social and economic opportunities, strengthening ownership and stewardship of coastal and marine assets.

Offshore oil and gas, along with marine renewable energy, offer employment opportunities and economic growth. While they provide significant revenue, they also pose environmental and social risks. Implementing high standards of impact assessment, monitoring, and regulation is essential. Marine renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and access. However, technical, financial, and regulatory challenges exist, requiring investment in research, innovation, capacity building, and cooperation.

Protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring ocean governance and security are critical for sustained stability and resource exploitation. Threats such as overexploitation, pollution, and habitat degradation necessitate integrated management measures and enhanced scientific research. Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, along with maritime capabilities and cooperation, mitigates conflicts and illegal activities, promoting peace and stability in the region.

Africa's Blue Economy holds tremendous promise for driving sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental conservation across its diverse sectors. While challenges such as overfishing, inadequate infrastructure, and governance gaps persist, concerted efforts to address these obstacles can unlock the vast potential of Africa's marine resources. By prioritizing investments in sustainable practices, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and implementing robust regulatory frameworks, Africa can chart a course towards a prosperous and resilient Blue Economy. Through this journey, Africa not only stands to reap economic benefits but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and vitality of its oceans for future generations, embodying a commitment to sustainable development and global environmental stewardship.