The Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Ms. Angéle Makombo N’Tumba has underscored the strategic significance of the blue economy for Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ms. N’Tumba was addressing the technical segment of the 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW) in Luanda, Angola, which runs from July 22 to 25, 2026 under the theme “From Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa’s Blue Economy Transformation,” ABEW 2026.
The event hosted by the Government of the Republic of Angola with the support of African Union has brought together over 300 high-level leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to advancing the sustainable development of Africa’s marine and aquatic resources.
She emphasised that the blue economy involves the responsible utilisation of oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers to generate employment, enhance livelihoods, and promote inclusive growth across the continent. The Deputy Executive Secretary highlighted SADC’s efforts in formulating a comprehensive SADC Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023–2032), designed to unlock regional potential and benefit SADC citizens.
She acknowledged the vital support of development partners, notably the African Development Bank (AfDB), which has played a crucial role in advancing blue economy initiatives such as the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors in the SADC Region (PROFISHBLUE), impacting over 3.3 million people across the region.
Ms. N’Tumba addressed several pressing challenges facing the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and technology, climate change impacts, and competing uses of aquatic resources. She called on stakeholders to implement effective policies, invest in infrastructure, foster public-private partnerships, and drive innovation to accelerate sector development. She reiterated that strong political will and unwavering commitment are essential to translating blue economy strategies into tangible, lasting results.
“Now is the time to move from strategy to action,” she urged, encouraging participants to collaborate over the course of the event to develop concrete, actionable solutions for sustainable development.
The official opening of the technical session was officiated by His Excellency Alvaro Cunha, Secretary of State of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Angola, who expressed optimism that the conference would foster coordinated efforts to transform Africa’s blue economy and foster a prosperous, sustainable future for the continent.
