Seas of opportunity : the blue economy and regional integration in Africa

Abstract

The Blue Economy (BE), which is recognised by the African Union (AU) as the “new frontier of African Renaissance,” is one of the keys to the door to a sustainable African continent. With its vast maritime zone totalling about 13 million square kilometres, Africa is richly endowed with bountiful ocean resources, which represent a wealth of opportunities for its citizens, including nutritional security, job creation, and energy creation. While the AU and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have developed BE strategies, progress on the BE agenda varies due to challenges experienced at the local, national, and regional levels. Climate change, marine pollution and illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing are some of the main constraints that hamper the development of the BE in Africa. This policy brief argues that regional integration (RI) is paramount to tackling challenges facing the BE and harnessing its full potential in Africa. It sheds light on the pivotal role that collaborative efforts among countries play in BE growth and development and advocates a holistic approach in order to reap the full benefits of Africa’s oceanic resources.