Blue Economy: African Countries launch Moroni Declaration to draw USD 1.5 trillion from Oceans

By Special Report On Jun 20, 2023

African countries have hatched the ‘Moroni declaration,’ outlining a common vision and commitment to promote the blue economy as a key driver of growth, innovation and resilience around the continent.

The Moroni Pact emerged during the ministerial meeting held recently in the Comoros, where blue economy experts and government officials from across Africa gathered in the Islands to discuss how to leverage the potential of the oceans, seas and rivers for sustainable development.

The President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani graced the occasion.

President Assoumani highlighted how coastal and island states face many challenges such as climate change, illegal fishing, piracy, pollution, overexploitation of resources, lack of infrastructure and skills, and weak institutional and regulatory frameworks.

Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of oceans, rivers and lakes resources for economic and social benefits while preserving the health and diversity of marine ecosystems.

The United Nations’ Economic Commission for Africa reveals that the blue economy could contribute up to USD 1.5 trillion to the global economy if effectively and sustainably managed.

Africa has a unique position in the global blue economy, with 38 coastal states, 90 percent of its imports and exports conducted by sea.

Recent reports estimate that over USD 100 billion; will be generated through coastal tourism in Africa by 2030.

The continent also has 49 million jobs currently generated in the blue economy sectors, and a projected value of USD 405 billion by 2030.

The meeting in Moroni also discussed the implementation of the Great Blue Wall initiative, which offers an Africa-driven roadmap to enhance maritime security and governance and support coastal communities in adapting to climate change and building resilience.

By conserving and restoring critical marine and coastal ecosystems, enhancing socio-ecological resilience, and developing a regenerative blue economy, this initiative has the potential to unlock livelihood opportunities for 70 million people in the Western Indian
Antonio Pedro – Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

“We aspire to create a future where people in our coastal communities thrive, and lead prosperous and healthy lives while preserving our precious biodiversity and respecting cultural practices related to the sea,’ he said.

Musa Faki Mahama, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission made a strong appeal for the implementation of the African Union Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change and Development 2022-2032.

He said that this strategy was crucial for achieving sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Africa.

Participants agreed on a set of priority actions to implement the Moroni declaration, such as deepening trade relationships between Island States and other States throughout the AfCFTA.

Delegates advised the expansion of the regional maritime security architecture for the Western Indian Ocean and advocated for increased public and private investment in; sustainable coastal and marine value chains, promoting, among others, responsible and sustainable fisheries, green infrastructures, ecotourism, renewable energies, and blue innovation.

The Moroni declaration is expected to be endorsed by global leaders during global events such as the 2023 African Climate Action Summit to be held in Kenya, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, and during the Conference of Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Moroni ministerial Conference was organised by the Government of Comoros in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (EC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).