{"id":5919,"date":"2026-09-07T09:25:24","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T08:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/southern-africa\/?p=5919"},"modified":"2026-09-07T10:40:41","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T09:40:41","slug":"from-continental-commitments-to-country-action-africas-blue-economy-agenda-gains-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gwpo-gwp.org\/southern-africa\/news\/from-continental-commitments-to-country-action-africas-blue-economy-agenda-gains-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"From Continental Commitments to Country Action: Africa\u2019s Blue Economy Agenda Gains Momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Above: African Union Member States adopt the Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy during the Africa Blue Economy Week 2026 in Luanda, Angola. Photo credit: UNDP <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is visible progress in the implementation of Africa\u2019s Blue Economy agenda as continental commitments increasingly translate into practical action at country level. Stakeholders recently convened for the 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week and High-Level Africa Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, held from 22\u201325 July 2026 in Luanda, Angola, where they adopted the Luanda Declaration, a landmark political commitment to accelerate Africa’s transition from blue economy strategy to implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) was part of the gathering, convened by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Angola. Held under the theme \u201cFrom Strategy to Action: Political Leadership for Africa\u2019s Blue Economy Transformation,\u201d the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, experts and development partners to accelerate implementation of Africa\u2019s Blue Economy ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Luanda Declaration calls for accelerated action, increased investment, stronger ocean knowledge and data systems, and greater opportunities for women and youth across Blue Economy value chains. These priorities align with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and Africa\u2019s broader goals for climate resilience, sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conference also reinforced the importance of strengthening the link between water and the Blue Economy, with the Blue Economy increasingly recognised within the broader Africa Water Vision. This provides an important framework for addressing the interconnectedness of freshwater, coastal and marine resources and advancing integrated approaches to water security, economic development and climate resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GWPSA contributed to these continental discussions by co-leading a session on \u201cDigital Technologies, Data Systems and Science to Policy,\u201d moderated by Project Coordinator Ms Shamiso Kumbirai Mlilwana. The session brought together continental institutions, ocean science experts, research organisations and innovation partners to explore how digital technologies and integrated data systems can improve governance, fisheries management, marine conservation and evidence-based planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening the session, Ms Kumbirai emphasised the importance of strengthening the connection between knowledge, science, policy and action if Africa is to realise the full potential of its Blue Economy. The discussions in Luanda underscored that better data and stronger knowledge systems are critical to enabling informed decisions, attracting investment and turning continental commitments into tangible development outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the sessions at the 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week and High-Level Africa Sustainable Blue Economy Conference. GWPSA co-lead a session on \u201cDigital Technologies, Data Systems and Science to Policy.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Continental Dialogue to Country Implementation<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The momentum generated in Luanda is reflected in progress under the Supporting Sustainable Inclusive Blue Economy Transformation in African Small Island Developing States (AfriSIDS) Project, where country-level partnerships and implementation arrangements are taking shape across participating African Small Island Developing States (SIDS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent milestones, registered under the UNDP-GEF Project \u201cSupporting Sustainable Inclusive Blue Economy Transformation in African Small Island Developing States (SIDS)”, include the formalization of key partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with national authorities in Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome and Principe (STP). These agreements signal growing country ownership and provide an institutional foundation for translating the AfriSIDS programme\u2019s objectives into nationally led actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

H.E. Nilda da Mata, Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism (2nd from right) and Mrs. Francina Phakameya, GWPSA Director of Finance and Administration (2nd from left), and other officials after signing the Sao Tome and Principe Demonstration Project Joint Work Plan Agreement<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Sao Tome and Principe, a process facilitation meeting held on 27 July 2026 brought together national authorities and key partners, including the Unidade de Intelig\u00eancia Estrat\u00e9gica para a Economia Azul (UIEEA), to advance implementation of the project. The subsequent signing of the Responsible Party Agreement and MoU marked an important step towards commencing project activities and strengthening collaboration around sustainable marine resource management, Blue Economy development and community resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Guinea-Bissau, the formalization of an MoU with the relevant national authorities similarly strengthens the institutional basis for collaboration and implementation. The partnership will support closer engagement with national stakeholders and help translate the AfriSIDS objectives into practical interventions that respond to country priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Participants during the stakeholder consultation meeting held from 23-24 June in Bissau Royal Hotel, Guinea Bissau<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another recent milestone was the convening of stakeholders for the AfriSIDS Mauritius Pilot Demonstration Inception Workshop on 17 August. The workshop aligned national priorities, partnerships and implementation plans to advance the country\u2019s Blue Economy agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mauritius demonstration focuses on sustainable offshore fishing, value addition and improved livelihoods for local artisanal fishing communities turning Blue Economy ambitions into practical benefits for people and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The progress across the three countries also reflects a strengthened approach to regional technical collaboration, with the AfriSIDS project receiving technical support from the GWP Africa Coordination Unit. This complements GWPSA\u2019s execution role by bringing additional regional expertise, knowledge and coordination capacity to support participating SIDS in advancing sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by GWPSA, the AfriSIDS project works with participating African SIDS to advance sustainable, inclusive and resilient Blue Economy transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, the developments emerging from Luanda and the AfriSIDS programme demonstrate a critical shift in Africa\u2019s Blue Economy agenda, from commitments and strategies towards partnerships, implementation and measurable action. As countries strengthen institutional collaboration, data systems and investment frameworks, the foundations are being laid for a Blue Economy that supports livelihoods, protects ecosystems and contributes to a more climate-resilient and sustainable Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Above: African Union Member States adopt the Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy during the Africa Blue Economy Week 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African Union Member States adopt the Luanda Declaration on the African Blue Economy during the Africa Blue Economy Week 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