National blue economy workshop proposes the establishment of an African Blue Economy institute

Shaping the Future of Cameroon’s National Blue Economy

CAMEROON: The establishment of an African Union Institute for Blue Economy and Technology was proposed during a consultative workshop funded by the Kingdom of Norway to finalise a strategy to shape a Blue Economy Strategy for Cameroon.

Held at the end of last month, the workshop aimed to identify priority issues, addressing challenges, and establishing robust governance and coordination mechanisms.

Opening the workshop, Georges MBA ASSEKO, Head of the Blue Economy Division at the AU Commission/DARBE, emphasised the need for Cameroon to align its strategy with both Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.

He urged participants to enhance coordination among national agencies, design effective legal frameworks, and establish systems for tracking and reporting blue economy progress. Emphasis was placed on identifying Blue Value Chains, assessing the economic impact, and engaging the private sector for financing the transition to a sustainable blue economy within the context of AfCFTA.

Dr Baschirou Moussa Demsa, a Consultant for Animal Resources at CEEAC (ECCAS), reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in developing the national strategy, while Jaju Manu Guigado, Secretary General of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries, delivered the official opening remarks on behalf of the Honourable Minister.

During the first technical session, Dr Patrick Karani’s presentation on the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) provided insights into the strategy’s evolution, referencing key instruments such as the 2018 World Blue Economy Conference and AUC Agenda 2063.

Professor Martin Ndende discussed the ABES governance framework, prompting stakeholders to explore a continental strategy which could benefit policy making and capacity building.

During the second technical session, participants learned more about sector specific aspects of Cameroon’s blue economy. Presentations by Georges MBA ASSEKO and Prof Dr Andrew Baio highlighted institutional arrangements and the untapped potential of blue economy resources, stressing the need for value addition through transformation, preservation, and technology.

Emerging discussions revealed several critical issues including the role of the blue economy in Cameroon's structural transformation; the impact on oil, gas, and minerals extraction; the necessity for effective coordination, and the strategy’s potential to address maritime safety, plastic pollution, and community benefits.

Participants also considered the importance of research, development, and education in the blue economy and the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement. Recommendations from the workshop included detailing how the draft strategy will address these issues, aligning it with ECCAS and ABES frameworks, prioritizing energy and water resources, supporting innovation, and ensuring broad stakeholder involvement.

Working groups identified key objectives, priority issues, and governance mechanisms. Outcomes included a focus on restoring aquatic ecosystems, enhancing education and training, developing fisheries and aquaculture industries, and investing in blue economy infrastructure.

The groups also emphasised the need for improved port facilities, environmental management, and social safety. The workshop concluded with a plan for next steps, including disseminating the National Blue Economy Strategy Outline for broader feedback and finalising the strategy.

Participants included representatives from various ministries, such as the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA), Ministry of Water Resources and Energy (MINEE), Ministry of Transport (MINT), National Ports Authority (NPA), Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development (MINMIDT), Ministry of Tourism and Leisure (MINTOUL), Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), Ministry of Finance (MINFI/DOUANES), Ministry of Trade (MINCOMMERCE), Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MINPOSTEL), African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization (AMMCO), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), National Consultant, ECCAS, African Union Commission, and AU-IBAR staff.