Maputo hosted the opening session of the 3rd Crescendo Azul International Conference on Thursday (11), a gathering that brings together political leaders, experts, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations to discuss the role of the blue economy in the sustainable development of the African continent.
On the occasion, President Daniel Chapo called for greater utilization of marine resources and reaffirmed Mozambique’s ambition to position itself as a strategic player in the blue economy at the regional and global levels, leveraging its privileged geographic location and the vast potential of its ocean resources.
In his speech, the head of state emphasized that the oceans represent one of the main frontiers of economic growth in the 21st century and play a decisive role in global food, energy, and climate security. “The world no longer debates whether the blue economy is important. The current challenge is to determine how quickly we will be able to convert the oceans’ potential into concrete benefits for our peoples,” he stated.
Daniel Chapo noted that Mozambique’s history is deeply intertwined with the sea, highlighting the role played by the historic ports of Ilha de Moçambique, Sofala, Angoche, and Inhambane in connecting peoples, cultures, and markets over the centuries. “The Indian Ocean is not just part of our geography; it is part of our history. When we gather today to discuss the future of the oceans, we are also rediscovering an important part of our own identity and projecting it into the future,” he declared.
The conference is taking place under the theme “Blue Growth: Accelerating Economic Sustainability,” a message that, according to the President of the Republic, challenges African countries to transform resources into prosperity, knowledge into development, and potential into concrete opportunities for their people.
The ceremony also marked the inauguration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Center, located in Maputo. Chapo considered the initiative an important milestone in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, describing it as a demonstration of strategic vision and regional commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources.
The head of state emphasized that Africa possesses one of the largest reserves of blue capital on the planet, thanks to the length of its coastlines, the abundance of fishery resources, marine biodiversity, and maritime corridors of international significance. “We have youth, talent, and the capacity for innovation. The question is not whether we have potential, but whether we will have the collective capacity to transform that potential into shared prosperity,” he noted.
In the case of Mozambique, the President of the Republic emphasized that the country has over 2,600 kilometers of coastline and is located on one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, the Mozambique Channel, a vital corridor for international trade. According to Daniel Chapo, this geographic position gives the country increased responsibilities regarding maritime security, but it also opens opportunities to strengthen regional integration, attract investment, and consolidate Mozambique’s role in the global economy.
The blue economy, he added, should be viewed not merely as a sectoral policy, but as a strategic tool for economic and social transformation, capable of creating jobs, promoting inclusion, reducing inequalities, and strengthening national sovereignty. The President of the Republic also highlighted the potential of emerging sectors such as ocean renewable energy, sustainable ecotourism, marine biotechnology, and aquaculture—areas considered fundamental for economic diversification and for creating opportunities for young people and women.
Despite these opportunities, Chapo warned of the growing challenges threatening marine ecosystems, including plastic waste pollution, environmental degradation, the effects of climate change, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. “The time for declarations is over. Now is the time for implementation and results,” he stated, calling for a coordinated response from the international community to protect the oceans and ensure the sustainability of their resources.
Combating illegal fishing, transnational organized crime, piracy, and maritime trafficking was also identified as a priority for countries in the region, as these phenomena undermine public revenues, jobs, and the security of coastal populations.
The head of state also called for increased investment in scientific research, technological innovation, and the training of specialized personnel, noting that the future of the blue economy will depend on countries’ ability to generate knowledge and develop innovative solutions to maritime challenges. Addressing African youth, Daniel Chapo stated that the oceans should be viewed as spaces for opportunity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, calling for a greater commitment to education in marine sciences, technology, and research.
The President of the Republic also reiterated the need to mobilize more international financing to support projects related to the blue economy, advocating for financial mechanisms that are more accessible and tailored to the needs of African countries. “Africa is not seeking charity. It is seeking partnerships, investment, and financial instruments that will enable it to transform existing potential into inclusive and sustainable growth,” he declared.
In closing his remarks, Daniel Chapo expressed his hope that the Crescendo Azul Conference would establish itself as a permanent platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the mobilization of solutions for the sustainable development of the oceans. “May future generations look back on this moment and say that it was here that we decided to leave behind a sea that is healthier, better protected, and more productive than the one we received,” he concluded.
The 3rd Crescendo Azul International Conference runs through June 12 in Maputo, bringing together policymakers, experts, investors, and development partners to discuss the role of the blue economy in sustainable growth. The program includes sessions dedicated to ocean governance, maritime safety, fisheries and aquaculture, financing, renewable energy, marine biodiversity, climate change, and maritime trade, with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Source: Diário Económico
