The status of Blue Economy development in Africa

Abstract

A cross-sectoral Blue Economy (BE) approach that optimises the use of marine and aquatic resources in an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive manner, is seen as a means of overcoming the challenges Africa faces including poverty, unemployment and infrastructure development. However, limited information about the state of the BE and associated implementation in Africa exists, despite several BE national and regional strategies or action plans having been developed. Understanding the state of the BE is necessary for better comprehension of the barriers to BE policy development and subsequent implementation. An assessment of the BE at various resolutions is provided; as well as the status of the application of the tools needed to develop the BE in accordance with the African Union’s Blue Governance Framework for the African Blue Economy Strategy. The findings show that BE development is lagging, with the exception of Seychelles and Mauritius, which have capitalised on various BE tools available. In most instances, the development of the BE still ensues in a siloed manner, often lacking cross-sectoral coordination and resulting in fragmented management systems that do not harmonise the potential synergies that an integrated approach would offer. From the synthesis of progress, it becomes apparent that the regional scale is also appropriate for developing future BE regulatory frameworks, as habitats are not necessarily confined to socio-political borders. The influence of regional organisations in developing the BE can support accountability with which to motivate member states in their BE progress. Most of the BE progress in Africa was initiated (financially or otherwise) by external organisations or financing organisations. This casts questions on the sense of autonomy Africa has in determining its future prospects for its BE. Nonetheless, the development of BE offers Africa the chance to achieve national sustainability objectives, improve regional integration through diplomacy, and exert global influence. These findings can help decision-makers, practitioners and financiers to support African countries in generating the right enabling environment for a sustainable BE approach.