The 2019 edition of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF), a two-day event will take place from the 25th to 26th June in Tunis.
The Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF), now in its second year Communication is an annual forum organized by Blue Jay Communications. It provides a unique platform for ocean stakeholders to share insights on how to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and to present new investment opportunities in both traditional and emerging ocean industries, while making public-private partnerships and networking easier.
Confirmed speakers for the forum include Government ministers and officials from Ghana, Gabon, Morocco, Somaliland, Tunisia and Seychelles. Other delegates from across the globe, including ocean experts and innovators, African political leaders and policy makers, business leaders, international investors, environmental organizations, as well as NGOs and multilaterals are also expected to be present.
Last year, speakers and delegates at ABEF2018 explored what the Blue Economy was and agreed on the need for innovative financing to start developing Africa’s blue economy on a wider scale, involving not only governments but also the private sector. Building on these recommendations, ABEF2019 will have a strong focus on business and investment. Discussions will explore the opportunities and innovations in the blue economy, and how business and government can implement actions to accelerate Africa’s transformation.
Africa’s maritime industry is estimated at around US$1 trillion per year and the asset value of ocean economy ecosystems around US$24 trillion. The Blue Economy has a unique potential to create jobs, sustain livelihoods for local communities and offer low-cost impactful climate change adaptation solutions on the continent.
Leila Ben Hassen, Founder and CEO of ABEF organiser, Blue Jay Communication said: “There needs to be more awareness of the Blue Economy and a realisation of how important it is to the future of Africa. Governments are beginning to understand this and beginning to implement policies but it still needs the private sector to grasp this and to look at how they can work in partnership with governments and other organisations to make this succeed. Collaboration is necessary to make this work and deliver huge benefits for the continent enabling it meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. ABEF2019 will begin to lay the foundations for this collaboration process.”
ABEF 2019’s panel topics will include Public-private partnerships, Fishing & Aquaculture, Ports & Trade, Ocean Energy, Governance & Security, Pollution & Waste Management, Women Empowerment, Youth Education & Technology, and Ocean Financing.
