Africa-Press – Eswatini. The African Union (AU) has sent a bold message to the world: Africa is ready to lead in ocean governance, sustainable development, and maritime prosperity.
Representing the AU Commission Chairperson at the Africa for the Ocean Summit on June 9, 2025, Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, delivered an impassioned call for action.
“The oceans are our wealth, our life, and our identity,” declared Vilakati, urging global leaders to recognize Africa’s vast marine potential not as a distant frontier, but as a present-day force for development and unity.
Ocean Economy: A $300 Billion Opportunity
Vilakati highlighted that Africa’s blue economy, comprising fisheries, marine transport, tourism, and more, is already generating an estimated $300 billion annually, with projections nearing $400 billion by 2030. This, he said, positions the continent as a rising maritime powerhouse.
He emphasized the centrality of oceans to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, especially Goal 6, which focuses on harnessing marine resources for economic transformation. “The ocean economy is a powerful development lever for Africa,” he said, citing its role in job creation, biodiversity protection, and climate regulation.
Overcoming Maritime Challenges
While celebrating Africa’s promise, Vilakati candidly addressed the continent’s maritime challenges. He called attention to the $11 billion annual loss from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the staggering $50 billion lost through foreign-dominated maritime logistics.
“Pollution, piracy, and unregulated access to our oceans are serious threats to our sustainability goals,” he noted.
To confront these issues, Africa has launched several frameworks including the Africa Maritime Strategy, the Lomé Charter, and the upcoming Africa Ocean Governance Strategy. Vilakati also spotlighted collaboration between coastal states and AU-led efforts to curb plastic waste through its Circular Economy Action Plan.
A Call for Global Solidarity
Recognizing the global nature of ocean challenges, Vilakati hailed the summit’s co-chairs, French President Emmanuel Macron and His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, for fostering multilateral cooperation. “The oceans connect us. They are central to trade, climate, and shared prosperity. Africa is ready, and the time for action is now,” he declared.
The summit reinforced that Africa is not waiting in the wings—it is actively shaping the global maritime agenda with resolve, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainability.
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