Blue Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Working for a Sustainable Future

The blue economy encompasses coastal and marine resources, providing significant benefits for sub-Saharan Africa. 32 coastal states, 13 million sq km of maritime zones, and 90% of exports and imports by sea make it a 'new frontier of African renaissance'. However, these resources have been underutilized and need better protection. This book explores the constraints and opportunities of the blue economy in sub-Saharan Africa, including tourism, fisheries, mineral resources, culture, shipping, and maritime safety.

Format: Hardback
Length: 20 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The blue economy, encompassing coastal and marine resources, presents immense benefits for sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 53 countries and territories in the region, 32 are coastal states, with 13 million square kilometers of maritime zones. Over 90% of the region's exports and imports traverse the sea, and the African Union has hailed the blue economy as the 'new frontier of African renaissance.'

Despite their immense importance, these regions' coastal and marine resources have been neither fully appreciated nor fully utilized. It is only recently that they are being recognized as crucial to Africa's potential prosperity. However, as the region continues to grow, inadequate safeguards have been in place to protect these valuable resources. This is partly due to the regional nature of some problems, such as pollution, which knows no borders. Often, short-term gains are pursued at the expense of long-term sustainability, such as overfishing.

This book offers a comprehensive study of the constraints and opportunities the blue economy presents for sub-Saharan Africa. It includes an introduction and overview, sectoral analyses covering tourism, fisheries, mineral resources, culture, shipping, and maritime safety, country case studies, and analyses of regional and international efforts towards better coastal zone and marine management.

The blue economy holds immense potential for sub-Saharan Africa, with the potential to create jobs, promote sustainable development, and enhance the region's economic growth. By recognizing the value of coastal and marine resources and implementing effective management strategies, sub-Saharan Africa can unlock its full potential and contribute to the global blue economy.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367422127