Department of Blue Economy Kicks Off AU-Backed Seminar Series with Focus on Youth Empowerment

The Department of Blue Economy successfully hosted its first online seminar in a series of webinars to occur under the Champion of Blue Economy Workplan, a joint initiative curated by the Department of Blue Economy and the African Union. This event marked a significant milestone in fostering regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collective action to unlock the vast economic, social, and environmental potential of Africa’s marine and coastal resources.

Held under the theme “Unlocking Blue Economy – Seychelles’ Perspective”, the seminar attracted 65 registered participants from across the African continent, reflecting growing interest in the Blue Economy as a driver of sustainable development and prosperity.

The online seminar featured three insightful presentations:

1. An Introduction and Overview of the Blue Economy in Seychelles, highlighting the country’s Blue Economy and it’s achievements over the past decade.
2. Research Opportunities in the Blue Economy for Young People in Seychelles and Beyond, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in ocean-related innovation and academic exploration.
3. Economic Opportunities for Youth in the Blue Economy, focusing on sectors such as sustainable fisheries, marine renewable energy, blue tourism, marine biotechnology, and ocean-based entrepreneurship.

With youth empowerment identified as a core priority, the Department is using this platform to inspire and equip young people with knowledge of the diverse opportunities and pressing challenges within the Blue Economy. By sharing Seychelles’ experience over the past ten years, the Department hopes to motivate a new generation of African youth to engage with and drive sustainable blue growth in their own countries.

This webinar series forms part of Seychelles’ ongoing leadership role as Africa’s Champion for the Blue Economy, working closely with the African Union and regional partners to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable ocean governance across the continent.

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