Mozambique is well-positioned to establish itself as one of Africa’s leading players in the blue economy, advocating for a leadership role in the sustainable development of the continent’s marine resources. This assessment was made by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, during the opening of the 3rd International Growing Blue Conference, which is taking place in Maputo.
Speaking before government representatives, experts, and international partners, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the country’s strategic advantages and called for increased investment and regional cooperation to transform maritime potential into sustainable economic growth.
“Mozambique is the epicenter of the blue economy. It has everything it needs to be a champion of the blue economy not only in the region but across the entire continent,” he stated.
The African Union official highlighted Mozambique’s extensive coastline, stretching over 2,700 kilometers along the Indian Ocean, as well as the country’s strategic position as a maritime gateway for several landlocked nations in Southern Africa.
As he explained, these characteristics place Mozambique in a privileged position to expand activities related to maritime trade, port logistics, coastal tourism, energy, and the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Youssouf noted that the African Union already has strategic tools in place to guide the sustainable development of the oceans, including the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 and the African Blue Economy Strategy, both of which are aligned with Agenda 2063.
For the official, the blue economy represents a growing opportunity to boost employment, generate revenue, and promote greater economic integration among African countries.
Despite the opportunities, he warned of challenges that continue to threaten the sector’s sustainable development, including climate change, extreme weather events, illegal fishing, organized crime, and terrorism.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission noted that coastal countries such as Mozambique regularly face the impacts of severe cyclones, while limitations in access to financing for climate adaptation persist.
Given this scenario, he advocated for four priority areas of intervention: strengthening ocean governance, investing in infrastructure and technology, including coastal communities in development processes, and creating innovative financing mechanisms.
Among the solutions proposed are the use of blue bonds, carbon credits, and public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for the expansion of the maritime economy.
During his remarks, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also highlighted the progress made by Mozambique in the areas of maritime governance and regional cooperation, referring to the recent inauguration of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Center.
In his view, the country is playing a significant role in promoting regional integration and the sustainable management of marine resources.
“Integration begins in the regions. Today, Mozambique is leading the way,” he declared.
He concluded by calling on African countries to convert the continent’s maritime wealth into concrete opportunities for economic development and improved living conditions for their populations.
“Africa possesses unparalleled resources. We must transform them into development for our peoples,” he stated.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique
