Blue economy

(Image: Greg Tee)

African leaders adopted the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIM Strategy) at the 22nd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January 2014.

The African Union Foundation is to deliver on the AIM Strategy.

Using the theme, “Harnessing the Blue Economy in Achieving the African Union Agenda 2063”, the strategy highlights the importance of the maritime sector. An estimated 90% of Africa’s imports and exports are conducted by sea.

Africa’s inland waters, oceans and seas are under pressure. Over the years, traditional maritime activities such as fishing and shipping have intensified, while aquaculture has emerged. At the same time, there are mounting security concerns such as piracy, degradation of marine environment and the negative impact of climate change. This has cost the continent billions of dollars.

The strategy is an effort to drive Africa’s maritime security agenda and use the continent’s maritime sector to its fullest.

Read more about 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy here.