ECOWAS resumes push for regional blue economy strategy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday reopened consultations on its long-delayed Regional Blue Economy Strategy with a high-level workshop in Abuja.

The initiative, which has been on hold since 2022, seeks to harness marine resources, aquaculture, shipping, ocean conservation and climate adaptation for sustainable development across the sub-region.

Programme Officer for Fishery Development and Blue Economy Focal Person at ECOWAS, Djiga Thiao, who represented the outgoing Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alain Traoré, said the project had stalled after the PESCAO programme but remains a top priority.

“We need harmonised policies to maximise benefits from fisheries, aquaculture and shipping, especially in the context of climate change,” he said.

Thiao stressed the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders, noting that the new ECOWAS leadership would continue the drive despite the exit of current commissioners.

African Union Commission (AUC) officials also pledged support. Speaking virtually, AU Blue Economy Advisor, Linda Etta, described the initiative as crucial for policy alignment, investment mobilisation and regional integration.

AU-IBAR Blue Economy Expert, Dr. Mohammed Seisay, added that similar support had been extended to several African countries, including Burkina Faso.

Participants at the Abuja meeting included representatives from AU-IBAR, AUC, the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, national delegates from ECOWAS states and technical experts.