Blue Africa Summit 2024: Africa asserts its maritime ambition
Tangier has successfully hosted this week the second edition of the Blue Africa Summit, an event that marked a decisive turning point in Africa’s maritime ambition. The summit, held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, brought together political leaders, experts, and key players in the maritime sector, who underscored the growing importance of the blue economy for the continent.
The event took on a notable international dimension with the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose participation highlighted the global significance of the issues discussed. The Prince, known for his commitment to ocean protection, brought a valuable perspective on the environmental challenges facing marine ecosystems.
Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Perpetual Secretary of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, opened the summit by recalling the progress made since the first edition: “Last year, we mapped out the major issues facing maritime Africa. This year, we have taken a decisive step by defining concrete actions.”
The summit provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on crucial topics such as sustainable port development, maritime security, blue carbon initiatives, and coastal community resilience. A particular emphasis was placed on innovation, with sessions exploring emerging technologies in ocean monitoring, sustainable fishing, and renewable marine energy.
Rym Benzina, President of La Saison Bleue, highlighted the evolution in approach: “We have moved from awareness to action. The strategies developed at this summit aim to leverage our maritime assets for sustainable growth.”
A highlight of the summit was the regional consultation session for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice. This inclusion reinforced Africa’s role in global ocean governance, as emphasized by Pascal Lamy, Co-chair of the Africa-Europe Strategy Group on Ocean Governance: “It’s a clear signal that Africa’s maritime voice is not just being heard, but actively sought after on the world stage.”
Discussions also focused on the specific challenges facing African countries, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and sustainable management of fishery resources. Innovative solutions were proposed, showcasing Africa’s potential to become a leader in the sustainable blue economy.
In closing the summit, Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, summarized the spirit of the event: “This summit was not just about economic opportunities. We discussed the future of our continent, the sustainability of our resources, and our place in the global maritime landscape.”
The Blue Africa Summit 2024 thus marked a crucial step in Africa’s journey towards harnessing its vast maritime potential. With over 30,000 kilometers of coastline and exclusive economic zones covering millions of square kilometers, Africa is now positioning itself as a key player in the global blue economy.
The decisions made and partnerships forged at this summit promise to reshape not only Africa’s maritime future but also the global maritime order. For Africa, the tide is turning, and the horizon looks blue and promising.
