Africa’s Blue Economy – it’s time for Action, not Words

As we gather in the beautiful city of Nice for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) under the vital theme of “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” we stand at a pivotal moment for global ocean governance and Africa’s blue economy transformation.

Africa’s Ocean Imperative

The numbers tell a compelling story that underscores Africa’s fundamental relationship with the ocean. Africa’s blue economy, valued at up to $450 billion annually, presents a remarkable opportunity for growth and development. It plays a crucial role in achieving Agenda 2063, specifically Goal Six, which highlights the blue economy as a key driver of accelerated economic growth. This sector is essential to realizing our vision of The Africa We Want.

Our 38 coastal and island states, with their 47,000 kilometers of coastline surrounded by three oceans and seven seas, house 85 commercial ports that serve as gateways to global markets.

But Africa’s blue wealth extends far beyond our shores. Our 677 lakes, including some of the world’s largest freshwater bodies, and 63 transboundary river basins are the lifeblood of inland communities. More than 38% of our population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast, with these marine and freshwater resources employing nearly 50 million Africans today—with projections to reach 85 million by 2035. Among them are 13.5 million small-scale fishers and aquaculture farmers who form the backbone of our food security, contributing approximately US$24 billion to continental GDP.

It is projected that our blue economy could exceed $1.5 trillion annually by 2050. This is not merely economic potential—it is the sustainable future we must build together.

AUDA-NEPAD’s Strategic Alignment

AUDA-NEPAD’s mandate to coordinate and execute priority regional and continental projects for accelerated realization of Agenda 2063 finds profound resonance in UNOC3’s objectives. Our role in strengthening capacity of African Union Member States, advancing knowledge-based advisory support, and serving as the continent’s technical interface with development partners positions us as a critical bridge between global ocean commitments and African implementation realities.

For Africa, the blue economy transcends conventional understanding. Our vision encompasses not only coastal waters and traditional maritime sectors, but also our vast inland waters—our great lakes, mighty rivers, and wetland systems—that sustain millions of livelihoods across both coastal and landlocked states. It honors our communities’ deep cultural connections to water that span millennia, recognizes women as central actors, and integrates traditional knowledge alongside modern science.

Africa’s Unified Voice and Strategic Priorities

The African consultation held in Tangier, Morocco, in October 2024, with participation of over 500 young people and African Member States, has crystallized our continent’s collective voice for UNOC3. Africa recognizes that our oceans and aquatic inland ecosystems face multiple stresses from resource overexploitation, inadequate governance, rapid coastal population growth, habitat degradation, and pollution.

UNOC3’s theme aligns seamlessly with Africa’s Blue Economy Strategy vision of “an inclusive and sustainable blue economy that significantly contributes to Africa’s transformation and growth.” Our response addresses the conference’s three priority areas:

Priority 1: Multilateral Ocean Processes – Africa commits to strengthening implementation of frameworks like UNCLOS while advancing our Africa Ocean Governance Strategy to enhance coordination and address governance gaps.

Priority 2: Blue Economy Finance – We advocate for innovative financing mechanisms that support Africa’s Blue Economy Strategy, focusing on sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, renewable ocean energy, and maritime transport development.

Priority 3: Ocean Science and Knowledge – Africa emphasizes the critical need for capacity building, technology transfer, and strengthening marine science capabilities to inform evidence-based ocean policies.

The Imperative for Acceleration

Yet the hard truth remains: Africa’s blue economy potential remains largely unrealized. While we have made progress in developing frameworks and strategies, implementation is not matching the pace of the challenges we face.

Climate change is not waiting. Ocean acidification is not waiting. Plastic pollution is not waiting. Illegal fishing is not waiting. And neither should we.

As we embrace the conference’s call for “accelerating action and mobilizing all actors,” the keywords are crucial: acceleration and action. Not more studies. Not more strategies. Not more statements. But tangible, measurable acceleration of implementation.