The Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, has called for increased collaboration and partnerships to drive the growth of the Blue Economy across Africa.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Symposium and Workshop of the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative, Umoren emphasized that without collaboration, the full benefits of the Blue Economy cannot be properly harnessed or sustained.
Umoren, in his presentation titled “Collaboration and Partnership in Driving the Blue Economy,” stressed the significance of maritime clusters and stakeholder engagement as essential pillars in achieving sustainable economic growth.
He explained that the Blue Economy encompasses all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts, and plays a crucial role in global trade, food security, energy, and tourism.
“The world depends on the ocean for sustenance, trade, and other essential goods and services,” he noted.
Citing data from the European Union, Umoren highlighted the Blue Economy’s contribution to job creation and economic growth. “The EU Blue Economy employs over 3.6 million people, with a turnover exceeding €620 billion,” he said. However, he pointed out that to fully unlock the potential of Africa’s maritime domain, it is imperative to map out maritime clusters, identify competitive strengths, and foster partnerships at both local and international levels.
Umoren urged African nations to create maritime policies and strategies that outline their maritime clusters, emphasizing the importance of focusing on sectors where they hold a competitive edge.
He also highlighted the interdependence within the maritime sector, noting that no single country or industry can operate in isolation.
According to him, collaboration should cover various areas including funding, marketing, technology, and sustainability, adding that international best practices must guide these partnerships.
He identified several potential areas for collaboration, such as regional cooperation through organizations like ECOWAS, partnerships with international bodies such as the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and public-private partnerships that support sustainable marine practices.
He also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, urging governments and businesses to work closely with local communities, regulators, financial institutions, and industry experts to ensure the success of Blue Economy initiatives. “The identification of stakeholders is critical for collaboration,” Umoren said, noting that stakeholders range from local communities to international organizations that influence the maritime sector.
Furthermore, Umoren highlighted the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. He called for a review of existing maritime laws and regulations, including the Merchant Shipping Act, to empower law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities to maintain order in the maritime domain. “Without proper enforcement, the exploitation of the ocean will continue to threaten the realization of the Blue Economy’s full potential,” he warned.
