Luanda, Angola, 24 July 2026 – African Union Member States adopted the Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy, a landmark political commitment to accelerate Africa's transition from blue economy strategy to implementation. Adopted during the Third Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW 2026), the Declaration reinforces Africa's collective resolve to harness its oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and aquatic resources as drivers of economic growth, food security, job creation, climate resilience and regional integration.

Convened by the Government of Angola, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 22-24 July, the ABEW 2026 brought together ministers, development partners, financial institutions, private sector leaders, researchers, innovators, and civil society under the theme, "From Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa's Blue Economy Transformation."

“The Luanda Declaration should be understood as a continental turning point. It should align priorities, accelerate the implementation of the African Blue Economy Strategy, mobilize financing, and transform the blue economy into an effective pillar of Agenda 2063," said H.E. Esperança Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa, Vice President of the Republic of Angola, during the High-Level Segment of the Third Africa Blue Economy Week.

The Declaration recognizes Africa's vast aquatic wealth as a strategic asset for advancing Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, while acknowledging urgent challenges including marine pollution, ecosystem degradation, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, inadequate financing, and barriers facing women and youth in the sector. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission underscored that “The Luanda Declaration and Call to Action is a political commitment to transform continental frameworks into national programmes, investment portfolios, modern institutions, and measurable improvements in people's lives”. “Translate strategies into investment, policies into jobs, and commitments into measurable impact”, he urged. 

Through the Declaration, Member States committed to accelerate implementation of the African Union Blue Economy Strategy, strengthen governance and accountability, mobilize sustainable blue finance, protect marine and freshwater ecosystems, deepen regional cooperation, and expand economic opportunities across key blue economy value chains. The Declaration also highlights the critical role of science, innovation, digital transformation and inclusive participation in driving Africa's blue economy transformation. 

The Declaration further calls on development partners, international financial institutions, philanthropies, academia and the private sector to align technical and financial support behind African-led priorities and help unlock the investment, technology and expertise required to scale implementation across the continent.

"Africa's aquatic resources represent one of the continent's greatest opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth. UNDP remains committed to work with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States and partners to translate this vision into transformative action and impact," said Dr Matthias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa. 

The adoption of the Luanda Declaration was a major outcome of ABEW 2026. The conference also featured high-level dialogues on mobilizing public and private investment for sustainable blue economy development, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand regional trade opportunities, and accelerating implementation of the African Union Blue Economy Strategy.

Another key milestone was the launch of the State of Africa's Blue Economy Report 2026, which provides evidence and analysis to inform policymaking, investment and regional cooperation. 

Participants showcased digital innovation, ocean science and data-driven solutions to strengthen ocean governance, improve resource management and support resilient livelihoods in coastal and riparian communities.

ABEW 2026 also highlighted the role of youth and women in driving Africa's blue economy transformation through the Africa Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, recognizing innovators advancing sustainable aquaculture, coastal restoration, recycling solutions, and pollution reduction across the continent.

Throughout the event, participants underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among governments, regional institutions, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector to unlock investment, scale innovation and accelerate delivery of Africa's blue economy ambitions.

Download the Luanda Declaration and Call to Action here.