<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As
the 2<sup>nd</sup> 2019 Africa Blue Economy Forum ends in Tunis, the prospect
of a fully sustainable Blue Economy for Africa gathered significant momentum.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The
Forum held in Tunis on 25-26 June. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fishing,
aquaculture, shipping, ports, energy and finance industries all came under the
spotlight at ABEF2019, which drew in Government ministers, business leaders,
international investors, academics and environmental organisations from across
the globe. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The
need for direct action to deliver the environmental, economic and social
benefits for Africa, and particularly its coastal nations given 90 per cent of
Africa&#8217;s trade is conducted by sea, was stressed during the two days of
insight. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Speakers
at ABEF2019 agreed on the urgent need for better cooperation between the ocean
stakeholders, better governance and law enforcement. Regional, national and
local strategies are required to build a long-term plan and develop
partnerships that are beyond short-term projects. Engaging with new
technologies and innovative financing mechanisms are also key to shaping a
sustainable Blue Economy in Africa. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In
a release made available to OpenLife through African Media Agency, Leila Ben
Hassen, ABEF founder and CEO of Blue Jay Communication, which organised the
forum, said: &#8220;We can no longer just dip our toe in the water, we must dive
in and be decisive in making and delivering change that will serve Africa for
many years to come. It is no longer business as usual. Africa must have a
sustainable Blue Business plan which will have a positive impact on the
environment, on the economy and on society.&#8221; ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A
sustainable Blue Business plan will accelerateAfrica&#8217;s transformation, create
jobs, sustain livelihoods and empower communities, while offering impactful
climate change measures. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This
was acknowledged at ABEF2019 across a range of panels with topics that explored
how governments and private sectors can collaborate; tackling ocean pollution;
innovative funding solutions; enhanced food security and sustainable growth for
the fishing industry; sustainable ocean energy; how to engage more women to
work in the maritime value chains and the opportunities to embrace the youth
generation in the Blue Economy. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Key
outcomes from ABEF2019 saw the World Ocean Council, Tunisian Maritime Cluster
and SETAP Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a platform to
connect, share information, scientific research and technologies between the
Mediterranean and the coastal African countries. In addition, WIMA Africa
(Women in Maritime Association) launched the Tunisia Chapter with the objective
of empowering women and reinforcing collaborations between Tunisian and African
women in the maritime industry. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The
event attracted a significant number of high-level speakers, who can drive
change and opinions, including government ministers HE Samir Taieb, Minister of
Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries, Republic of Tunisia; HE Mokhtar
Hammami, Minister of Environment, Republic of Tunisia; HE Elizabeth Naa Afoley
Quaye, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Republic of Ghana and HE Kwaku
Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport, Republic of Ghana. ;</p>

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