About the Africa Blue Economy Summit
The Africa Blue Economy Summit (ABES) is a transformative Pan-African initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable development through the innovative use of ocean and water resources. The 2025 edition, themed “Investing in Africa’s Blue Economy for Future and Accelerated Growth,” will take place in Namibia from May 21 to May 23, 2025, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore and unlock the vast potential of Africa’s Blue Economy.
Our Key Principles
01
Access To Marketplace
Offering a marketplace and access to opportunities.
01
Access To Marketplace
Offering a marketplace and access to opportunities.
02
Investing For Tomorrow
Promoting investment opportunities for growth.
02
Investing For Tomorrow
Promoting investment opportunities for growth.
03
Project Financing And Funding
Facilitating innovative and smart financing solutions.
03
Project Financing And Funding
Facilitating innovative and smart financing solutions.
04
Policy Insights And Coherence
Ensuring youth and women inclusivity and sustainability.
04
Policy Insights And Coherence
Ensuring youth and women inclusivity and sustainability.
05
Tech-driven Solutions
Embracing digital pathways and innovative technologies.
05
Tech-driven Solutions
Embracing digital pathways and innovative technologies.
06
Knowledge Sharing Opportunities
Promoting research, insights, and knowledge exchange.
06
Knowledge Sharing Opportunities
Promoting research, insights, and knowledge exchange.
07
Transportation
Enhancing efficient and sustainable marine and water body transportation systems.
07
Transportation
Enhancing efficient and sustainable marine and water body transportation systems.
08
Connectivity
Promoting integrated networks for seamless collaboration and fostering connections.
08
Connectivity
Promoting integrated networks for seamless collaboration and fostering connections.
What is the Blue Economy?
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods while preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems. This approach is a cornerstone of the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 and SDG 14, which focus on water resource management and ocean conservation. With 39 of Africa’s 55 nations being island or coastal states, the continent is uniquely positioned to harness the power of its blue resources, including mangroves and coral reefs. The Africa Blue Economy Summit serves as a Pan-African thought leadership, investment, and research platform, bringing together Blue Economy investors, financiers, leadership from island and coastal states, researchers, and stakeholders.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The Goals of The Blue Economy Summit
01
Sustainable Growth
Equip African nations with the tools and knowledge to leverage their Blue Economy potential responsibly.
02
Facilitate Investment
Connect stakeholders with opportunities in smart financing, technology-driven solutions, and sustainable business models.
03
Foster Collaboration
Unite governments, private sector leaders, and innovators to share best practices and co-create solutions.
04
Raise Awareness
Highlight the Blue Economy’s role in achieving social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.
Meet The Team
CEO, Africa Tourism Partners Project Promoter, Johannesburg, South Africa
Kwakye Donkor
Finance & Infrastructure Development, Windhoek, Namibia
Matthias Langheld
Marine Resources & Environmental Sustainability, Mahe, Seychelles
Didier Dogley
Marketing and Communications, Nairobi, Kenya
Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert
Event Management, Kigali, Rwanda
Brenda Anderson
Special Economic Zones, Accra, Ghana
Dr. Richmond Frimpong
Business Advisory and Investments, Johannesburg, South Africa
Miller Matola
Client Services, Nairobi, Kenya
Lillian Muthoni
Together, We Drive Africa’s Blue Economy Forward
Have any questions?
Our Key Objectives
We are guided by a clear set of objectives designed to unlock the full potential of Africa’s aquatic resources while promoting sustainability and collaboration.
Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries
Optimise conservation and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture resources.
Attracting Investments in the Blue Economy
Attract and promote sector investments and financing to realise the full potential of the Blue Economy In African countries.
Advancing Interstate and Ocean Trade
Develop interstate trade and promote sustainable ocean trade.
Developing Blue Economy Infrastructure
Promote and facilitate the development of Blue Economy logistics, infrastructure and real estate.
Operationalizing AfCFTA and Continental Frameworks
Mainstream relevant mechanisms and frameworks to operationalise AfCFTA and Continental Frameworks.
What To Expect
