Accelerating Africa’s aquatic potential for sustainable inclusive growth

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Africa Blue Economy Week 2026 (#ABEW26)

The 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week and High-Level Sustainable Blue Economy Conference serves as a delivery-focused platform to translate policy into action.

Protecting biodiversity in Comoros: a vital priority for the country, Africa, and the world

Comoros, with its unique ecosystems, plays a critical role in this fight. Recognized as one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots by Conservation International and one of 35 critical regions by WWF, Comoros is not just a national treasure but also a vital heritage for Africa.

Africa's Climate Voice and Leadership in Adaptation poster with a globe and a person at a desk.

Africa's climate voice and leadership in action

This paper showcases how Africa is strengthening its leadership in shaping the global climate agenda and advancing collective action on climate change. It demonstrates how African countries are driving solutions to accelerate adaptation, sustainable development and a just energy transition.

Aerial view of a white boat and a small dinghy near a coastline; biodiversity report cover.

Securing Ocean Biodiversity in South Africa: A Roadmap for How Marine OECMs Can Contribute to 30x30

This report provides a roadmap for how South Africa can expand its marine conservation network through Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to meet the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 target — conserving 30% of oceans and land by 2030.

Aerial view of a coastal city with a highway along a sandy beach and blue ocean.

UNDP to boost blue economy in SIDS and coastal LDCs

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its fourth cohort of 13 ocean innovators at a virtual side event during the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

Africa’s vast aquatic ecosystems, spanning over 13 million square kilometers of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), 47,000 kilometers of coastline, and expansive inland water bodies, represent an incredible resource for the continent's structural transformation. Generating USD296 billion in value and supporting 49 million livelihoods under its 2019 baseline, Africa’s blue economy is rapidly emerging as a primary engine for sustainable economic diversification, climate resilience, and food security.

Three focus areas

Catalyzing sustainable, inclusive growth on a foundation of ecosystem health

Safeguarding the ecological integrity of marine and fresh waters is a non-negotiable prerequisite for economic sustainability. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are not merely environmental assets; they underpin climate resilience, support blue carbon sequestration, and secure the food supply and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of Africans. By preserving this biological foundation, Africa's blue economy is projected to reach US$576 billion and support 78 million jobs by 2063. We help channel this massive macroeconomic potential down to the grassroots level, turning environmental stewardship into a direct driver of long-term economic prosperity and food security.

Bridging the digital divide to drive grassroots entrepreneurship

We collaborate with African States, technology hubs, and the private sector to integrate advanced data infrastructure and mobile technology into local fisheries and marine conservation. By providing tailored technical validation, business development support, and accessible digital tools, we shift coastal and riparian communities from vulnerable subsistence activities to sustainable, high-value entrepreneurship. This infrastructure-to-livelihood pathway dismantles historical barriers, ensuring that the next generation of grassroots blue innovators is equipped with the market connectivity and operational data required to thrive.

Empowering women and youth as leaders of the blue renaissance

Women manage over 50% of the seafood value chain, yet they face systemic barriers to technical design, asset ownership, and sector leadership. Our acceleration and investment-readiness initiatives prioritize youth- and gender-responsive tools, delivering milestone-based capital and targeted mentorship to unlock equitable livelihoods. By positioning youth and women at the forefront of the blue transition, we ensure that new business models and policy pathways reflect Africa's true talent, drive, and innovative potential.

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