Mozambique has the conditions to establish itself as one of Africa's principal references in the blue economy, with the potential to lead the continent in the sustainable development of maritime resources. That assessment was delivered by African Union Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf at the opening of the 3rd International Growing Blue Conference, currently under way in Maputo.
Speaking before government representatives, technical experts and international partners, Youssouf highlighted the country's strategic advantages and called for stronger investment and regional cooperation to convert maritime potential into sustainable economic growth.
'Mozambique is the epicentre of the blue economy. It has everything it needs to be the champion of the blue economy — not only in the region, but across the entire continent,' he said.
The AU Commission president drew attention to Mozambique's extensive coastline, stretching more than 2,700 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, as well as the country's strategic position as a maritime gateway for several landlocked nations in southern Africa.
He noted that these characteristics place Mozambique in a privileged position to expand activities linked to maritime trade, port logistics, coastal tourism, energy, and the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Youssouf recalled that the African Union already has strategic instruments in place to guide the sustainable development of ocean resources, including the Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 and the African Blue Economy Strategy, both aligned with Agenda 2063.
For the AU Commission president, the blue economy represents a growing opportunity to drive employment, generate revenue, and promote deeper economic integration among African countries.
Despite those opportunities, he warned of persistent challenges threatening the sector's sustainable development, including climate change, extreme weather events, illegal fishing, organised crime, and terrorism.
Youssouf observed that coastal countries such as Mozambique regularly face the impacts of severe cyclones, while continuing to encounter significant constraints in accessing climate adaptation financing.
Against that backdrop, he identified four priority areas for intervention: strengthening ocean governance, investing in infrastructure and technology, including coastal communities in development processes, and establishing innovative financing mechanisms.
Among the solutions proposed were the use of blue bonds, carbon credits, and public-private partnerships to mobilise resources for the expansion of the maritime economy.
During his address, Youssouf also highlighted progress made by Mozambique in maritime governance and regional cooperation, pointing specifically to the recent inauguration of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Centre.
In his view, the country is assuming a meaningful role in advancing regional integration and the sustainable management of marine resources.
'Integration begins at the regional level. Today, Mozambique is showing the way,' he declared.
The AU Commission president concluded by calling on African countries to convert the continent's maritime wealth into concrete opportunities for economic development and improved living standards for their populations.
'Africa possesses incomparable resources. We must transform them into development for our peoples,' he said.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/06/12/economia/uniao-africana-aponta-mocambique-como-futuro-lider-da-economia-azul-em-africa/
