Africa pledges to deliver Blue Economy at ABEF 2019

• International and Pan-African organizations agree to collaborate on initiatives following successful ABEF2019

TUNIS, Tunisia, June 27th, 2019,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The prospect of a fully sustainable Blue Economy for Africa gathered significant momentum following the second Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF2019) held in Tunis on 25-26 June.

Fishing, aquaculture, shipping, ports, energy and finance industries all came under the spotlight at ABEF2019, which drew in Government ministers, business leaders, international investors, academics and environmental organisations from across the globe.

From left to right – Henry Bonsu, Torsten Thiele, Angelique Pouponneau, James Maton, Marc Naidoo, Dr Frannie Leautier

The need for direct action to deliver the environmental, economic and social benefits for Africa, and particularly its coastal nations given 90 per cent of Africa’s trade is conducted by sea, was stressed during the two days of insight. Speakers at ABEF2019 agreed on the urgent need for better cooperation between the ocean stakeholders, better governance and law enforcement. Regional, national and local strategies are required to build a long-term plan and develop partnerships that are beyond short-term projects. Engaging with new technologies and innovative financing mechanisms are also key to shaping a sustainable Blue Economy in Africa. 

From left to right – Lazhar Bali, Ezzedine Kacem, Paul Holthus, Leila Ben Hassen

From left to right- HE Samir Taieb, HE Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, Leila Ben Hassen, HE Mokhtar Hammami