LUANDA, Angola — Africa’s next economic breakthrough may not come from beneath the ground, but from the water.
With the adoption of the Luanda Declaration at the Third Africa Blue Economy Week, the African Union (AU) is calling on Member States to treat the blue economy as a strategic pillar for economic transformation, job creation and climate resilience.
The declaration reflects growing recognition that Africa’s oceans, seas, lakes and rivers are underutilised assets with the potential to drive sustainable growth across the continent. From fisheries and aquaculture to maritime transport, tourism, renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology, the blue economy offers opportunities to diversify economies while protecting natural resources.
According to the African Union, the declaration provides a roadmap for accelerating investment, strengthening governance and fostering innovation across blue economy sectors. It also encourages closer cooperation among governments, regional institutions, the private sector and development partners to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Africa’s blue economy is increasingly viewed as a solution to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. Expanding sustainable fisheries can improve food security, while modern ports and maritime transport can reduce trade costs and strengthen implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Investment in coastal tourism and renewable ocean energy can also generate employment, particularly for young people and women.
Speaking through the outcomes of the meeting, participating Member States stressed the need to move beyond policy discussions towards practical implementation, adopting the conference theme: “From Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa’s Blue Economy Transformation.”
The declaration aligns with Agenda 2063, the AU’s blueprint for “The Africa We Want,” by promoting inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability and regional integration. It also supports the AU’s 2026 Theme of the Year on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
However, delegates acknowledged that the continent’s blue economy potential will not be realised through declarations alone. Achieving meaningful results will require stronger institutions, improved access to finance, modern infrastructure, research and innovation, and policies that balance economic development with environmental protection.
If those conditions are met, Africa’s blue economy could become one of the continent’s defining economic success stories—creating millions of jobs, strengthening livelihoods and positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainable ocean-based development.