Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,
Honored Friends of Africa,
The African Renaissance has always been a beacon of hope, symbolizing the unwavering spirit of our people to rise above current challenges and achieve a triumphant cultural, scientific, and economic renewal. Today, we gather to celebrate the African Day of Seas and Oceans under the inspiring theme, “Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance.” resonating profoundly with our collective aspirations, to collaborate and innovate in cultivating a thriving maritime sector. At the same time it allows us to reflect on the immense potential of our marine resources and to envision a future where these waters contribute robustly to our collective prosperity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The chosen theme aligns well with this year’s Seychelles’ Blue Economy Day theme: “People and the Ocean: A sustainable and Symbiotic relationship”, where we are reminded of the vital interdependence between humanity and the marine environment, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to ensure the health and safeguard of both.
The waves of change are sweeping across the African continent as; Africa has always been a land of transformation. Its history is rich with stories of resilience and innovation, displaying the unyielding spirit and adaptive capabilities of Africa as we forge a new frontier for growth and development through the Blue Economy. The numbers speak for themselves: the seafood, aquaculture, and fisheries industries employ 12.3 million people, including at least one-third women, ensuring food security and nutrition for over 200 million Africans, and contributing nearly 2% to the combined GDP.
The momentum is gaining pace. Africa’s 38 coastal and island states have access to over 30,000 km of coastline along the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, two of the world’s most expansive bodies of water. The Indian Ocean, in particular links the major economies of the West and East being home to one-third of the global population, and holding 40% of the world’s oil and gas reserves, poising to emerge as a primary driver of global growth in the coming two decades. Similarly, the Atlantic Ocean home to twenty-three coastal nations hosts 46% of the continent’s population, is interconnected with other major oceans and serves as a significant natural resource reserve. Rivers such as the Niger and Congo contribute to its extensive drainage area, enriching it with resources like oil, gas, aragonite sands, and gravel. The blue economy presents us with a chance to harness these resources sustainably, ensuring food security, job creation, and economic diversification for millions of Africans.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Aligned with the theme, Seychelles is committed to leading the development of the Sustainable Ocean Management (SOM) education programme as the development of the Blue Economy is strongly rooted in advocacy and education. This initiative aims to foster ocean literacy among learners, starting with Grade 7 students, to cultivate a deep understanding of the Blue Economy’s principles and opportunities and, build on Seychelles’ impressive literacy rate of 96%. The goal extends beyond our shores; we aspire to export this initiative across Africa to enhance the continent’s literacy rate, currently standing at 67.4%. A well-literate Africa not only fosters economic development but also enhances individual and community well-being, positioning the continent as a formidable force on the global stage.
Seychelles further exemplifies leadership in Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance by promoting peaceful management of the world’s largest underwater area of 400,000 square kilometers shared with Mauritius. This collaborative approach to managing shared resources not only fosters sustainable development but also embodies the spirit of unity and regional cooperation across Africa. It sets a precedent for other nations to follow, demonstrating how collective efforts can maximize the benefits of our maritime heritage while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Finally, Seychelles’ historic ratification as the first African country to ratify the BBNJ treaty has established a foundational framework for robust governance within Africa. By ratifying the BBNJ treaty, Seychelles not only underscores its dedication to conserving marine biodiversity but also establishes a precedent for other African nations to emulate. This pivotal step resonates profoundly with the theme, exemplifying Africa’s proactive commitment to managing and preserving its maritime resources for sustainable development and economic empowerment. It is imperative that other nations across the continent join this collective effort to foster a thriving blue economy and secure the future of our oceans for generations to come.
It is evident that the blue economy offers African nations a vast reservoir of untapped potential. However, these opportunities remain unrealized without mutual empowerment and collaboration towards achieving Africa’s Blue Renaissance.
Therefore, as we commemorate this occasion, let us reaffirm our dedication to cultivating a sustainable and prosperous blue economy. Let us unite across borders and sectors to leverage the immense potential of our seas and oceans for the collective benefit of all Africans. Together, we can catalyze transformative change and navigate our continent towards a future characterized by prosperity and sustainability.
Thank you, and Happy African Day of Seas and Oceans!
