Africa’s Blue Economy and the Indian Ocean ^{CEFR B2}

Africa’s ocean, sea and lake resources represent a major but still underused economic opportunity with concrete social and environmental stakes. The continent has 38 coastal and island states and a coastline of over 47,000 kilometres. More than 90 percent of African trade occurs by sea. The fishing industry alone employs more than 12 million people, supports the food security and nutrition of over 200 million Africans, and generates an estimated added value of over USD 24 billion, or 1.26 percent of total African GDP.

The documentary "Africa’s Blue Pride: The Rise of the Indian Ocean," made by Mauritian environmental journalist and photojournalist David Casimir of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, highlights blue-economy opportunities in Mauritius and Madagascar. Casimir, a participant in the African Union Media Fellowship 2023, gathers voices from coastal communities, scientists, policymakers and young people. A senior AfCFTA official in the film argues that Indian Ocean islands are often not seen as part of Africa and that they could help the continent become more self-sufficient in seafood.

Experts estimate the blue economy could be worth over USD 300 billion per year and create up to 57 million jobs by 2030 if fully developed. Millions already work in artisanal fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and marine renewable energy. In Mauritius about 7,000 people work in blue-economy sectors, roughly 10 percent of the island’s GDP, and the Oceanography Institute has developed and patented an offshore electricity production facility. In Madagascar about 250,000 people are registered in small-scale fishing; Rodrigues is noted for ecotourism, protected marine areas and closed seasons for some fisheries.

Environmental rules exist in many countries, including protected areas and fishing regulations, but illegal fishing, pollution, reef degradation and weak monitoring remain major challenges. Positive steps include the Smilo Label for small islands, scientific observation programmes and community training. The main task is to make governance inclusive, local and grounded in solid science so the blue economy can create jobs while protecting marine ecosystems.