The blue economy: a new frontier for Africa

Abstract

The “Blue Economy” integrates all activities and resources derived from marine and aquatic ecosystems, including oceans, seas, coasts, rivers, lakes and groundwater. The Blue Economy concept recognizes the crucial importance of productive and healthy freshwater and ocean ecosystems, as a pathway for economic development. This is encapsulated in the African Union’s 250 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AU 2050 AIMS), which describes the Blue Economy as the “new frontier of African Renaissance.”