Abuja MoU Scribe, Capt. Sunday Umoren Highlights Collaboration in Driving Africa’s Blue Economy

At the 4th Annual Symposium and Workshop of the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, emphasized the need for collaboration and partnerships to drive the Blue Economy across Africa.

Speaking on the theme, “Achieving Blue Growth in a Changing Climate: Integrating Coastal Communities,” Capt. Umoren noted that partnerships are vital to unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s oceans, seas, and coasts.

In his address, Capt. Umoren provided a refresher on the Blue Economy, explaining its wide-reaching impact on global employment and economic activities. He cited data from Europe, noting that the EU’s Blue Economy employs over 3.6 million people and generates a turnover exceeding €620 billion. “Offshore wind energy, shipbuilding, maritime transport, and port activities demonstrate the most significant increase in economic value,” he said.

The Blue Economy, according to Umoren, is more than just a series of isolated sectors. “It encompasses a broad range of activities, including fisheries, coastal tourism, shipping, ports, and marine renewable energy. The ocean is a critical resource for trade, food, energy, and more,” he explained.

One of the key components for fostering growth in the Blue Economy, according to Capt. Umoren, is the identification and development of maritime clusters. “Maritime clusters are crucial for promoting economic development and supporting innovation and technological advancement in the maritime sector,” he noted. He emphasized that every country must focus on its strengths, explaining that no nation can dominate all aspects of the Blue Economy.

Umoren urged African nations to map out their maritime clusters and identify stakeholders who can play a role in advancing the Blue Economy. “Stakeholders are essential for business sustainability. They range from local communities and suppliers to regulators and international partners,” he said. Citing the University of Kansas’ research on creating and maintaining coalitions, Umoren stressed the importance of transparent engagement with stakeholders.

“Without collaboration, the benefits of the Blue Economy cannot be fully captured or sustained,” Capt. Umoren declared.

He explained that partnerships are often necessary for countries that may not have the capacity or resources to take full advantage of their maritime domain. “The demands of the Blue Economy increase as we move from coastal areas to Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the high seas. Collaboration is often the only way to actualize its potential.”

He outlined several areas where collaboration is vital, including funding, technology transfer, sustainability, and policy formation. “Collaboration should be guided by international best practices, ensuring fairness and equity in partnerships,” he added.

Capt. Umoren highlighted examples of successful collaborations, such as regional cooperation within ECOWAS and AU frameworks, the NLNG model in gas supplies, and partnerships with international organizations like the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

He also emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in driving sustainable development in sectors like fishing and renewable marine energy.

He concluded by stressing the importance of enforcement in protecting Africa’s maritime resources. “Strong legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms are crucial for realizing the full potential of the Blue Economy. We must review our existing regulations, empower enforcement agencies, and ensure compliance with international standards,” he said.

Looking to the future, Capt. Umoren called for an end to the silo mentality and urged all stakeholders to work together. “The sea is wide enough for all stars to shine and glow,” he said, calling for a collective focus on sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans and marine resources.