The 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: Paperback / softback
Length: 20 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2022
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, the regions coastal and marine resources have been largely underappreciated and underutilized. 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 challenges, 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 to unlock its economic and social potential. By fully harnessing the resources of the coastal and marine sectors, the region can create jobs, promote sustainable development, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, it is essential to approach these opportunities with a long-term vision and a commitment to sustainable practices.

The book highlights the need for integrated coastal zone and marine management, which involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities. It emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism, fisheries, and mineral extraction, while also protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Furthermore, the book discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with the blue economy, such as the need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. It also highlights the importance of addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, which are often interconnected with the blue economy.

In conclusion, the blue economy offers a transformative opportunity for sub-Saharan Africa to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. By recognizing the value of coastal and marine resources and implementing effective management practices, the region can unlock its potential and contribute to the global effort to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 238 x 298 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032034560