Africa’s Blue Economy and the Indian Ocean ^{CEFR B1}

Africa’s ocean, sea and lake resources represent a major but still underused economic opportunity. 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, and the fishing industry employs more than 12 million people, supports the food 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" was made by David Casimir, a Mauritian environmental journalist and photojournalist for the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. Casimir took part in the African Union Media Fellowship in 2023. His film highlights blue-economy opportunities in Mauritius and Madagascar and seeks the voices of coastal communities, scientists, policymakers and young people. A senior AfCFTA official in the film says islands can help Africa become self-sufficient in seafood.

Experts say the blue economy could be worth over USD 300 billion per year and could 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. Mauritius and Madagascar are given as examples, but challenges remain such as illegal fishing, pollution, reef degradation and weak monitoring. Positive steps include labels for small islands, observation programmes and community training. The main task is inclusive, local governance based on solid science.