Angola Highlights Blue Economy as Key for Economic Diversification

Luanda: The Vice-President of Angola, Esperança da Costa, reaffirmed the importance of the blue economy as a crucial instrument for economic diversification, social inclusion, food security, and the creation of decent jobs on Friday. Speaking at the opening of the High-Level Ministerial Segment of the 3rd edition of the African Blue Economy Week, the Vice-President emphasized the need for developing coastal communities by recognizing the sea and inland waters as heritage to be protected and natural capital to be regenerated. According to Angola Press News Agency, Esperança da Costa explained that the blue economy aligns with Angola's macroeconomic strategy within the framework of the National Development Plan 2023-2027, which focuses on diversifying the national economic structure. She underscored the vital role played by the blue economy in increasing national production, improving productivity, developing human capital, strengthening the private sector, and modernizing infrastructure. The Vice-President e laborated on the authorities' efforts, such as developing the Angola Sea Strategy and the Marine Spatial Planning Plan. These initiatives encompass various dimensions like ecosystems, fishing, maritime transport, coastal tourism, energy, scientific research, and environmental protection, all forming part of a unified national vision. Esperança da Costa stressed that the blue economy must create value within African countries, promoting robust value chains and integrating women and young people into future sectors, rather than merely exporting raw materials. She pointed out the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area in expanding intra-African trade in blue goods and services, enhancing the integration of Africa's coastal, island, and landlocked members. Highlighting Angola's strategic position in the South Atlantic corridor, the Vice-President spoke of its role in linking Southern Africa, Central Africa, the Gulf of Guinea, and global markets. This position contributes to strengthening ports , logistics chains, regional connectivity, and maritime security. She also emphasized Africa's responsibility to protect the ecological basis of prosperity, warning against the degradation of seas, pollution, and unregulated illegal fishing that deprive African peoples of value.