Africa stands at a critical juncture regarding its maritime future. Despite possessing vast coastal resources and significant strategic potential, the continent continues to struggle with political fragmentation and institutional inertia that prevent it from fully capitalizing on its position at the crossroads of global trade routes.
Experts participating in the panel, “Les espaces maritimes africains : diagnostic stratégique des attributs et des limites,” highlighted a persistent gap between ambitious continental planning and operational reality. While the continent boasts over 100 ports and rich mineral, energy, and fishing resources, it has yet to convert these assets into a cohesive maritime power.
The Challenge of Implementation
Georges Mba Asseko, a counselor to the Gabonese President and former head of the Blue Economy Division at the African Union Commission, emphasized that the continent does not suffer from a lack of vision, but rather a deficit of mechanisms. He pointed to the existence of frameworks like the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 (AIMS 2050) as evidence of strong planning, yet noted that these initiatives often stall due to weak funding, a lack of specialized skills, and poor inter-state coordination.
This sentiment was echoed by Abdelmalek Faraj, an expert consultant at the World Bank in Morocco, who warned against viewing the blue economy in silos. He highlighted that Africa currently accounts for only about 10% of global fishing production, even as existing stocks face the threat of overexploitation. For Faraj, a systemic approach—integrating ports, logistics, industrial transformation, and tourism—is essential to move beyond untapped potential.
Sovereignty and Global Compliance
Diénaba Beye, a jurist specializing in international law in Senegal, noted that maritime spaces represent more than just economic zones; they are critical sites of sovereignty and strategic influence. While the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a foundation, African states remain deeply hesitant to relinquish any control over their territorial waters, complicating initiatives like the proposed African Common Exclusive Maritime Zone.
Looking ahead, the implementation of the international agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions (BBNJ), which entered into force in 2026, could serve as a catalyst for change. However, Beye cautioned that while most African states have signed the agreement, the lack of interpretive declarations accompanying their ratifications may leave the continent vulnerable in future international negotiations regarding resource sharing and environmental protection.
As global powers compete for strategic resources, analysts suggest that Africa’s failure to harmonize its maritime strategy could lead to continued reliance on external actors. A possible next step for the continent involves a shift toward the “democratization of maritime scientific data,” which Faraj argues is necessary to provide the transparency required to attract private sector investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary hurdles identified for Africa’s blue economy?
Experts identified three main barriers: a lack of cohesive governance, insufficient funding mechanisms, and restricted access to reliable scientific data and information.
What is the significance of the BBNJ agreement for Africa?
The BBNJ agreement, effective as of 2026, governs marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. It offers opportunities for technology transfer and resource management, but highlights African vulnerabilities due to limited surveillance capacity and a lack of coordinated continental positions.
Why is the “silo” approach to maritime strategy criticized?
Consultants argue that treating sectors like fishing, tourism, and shipping as separate entities prevents the development of an integrated ecosystem, which is necessary to maximize economic value and avoid the overexploitation of resources.
How can African nations best balance their individual national sovereignty with the need for a unified continental maritime strategy?