Luanda Declaration Sets Operational Commitments for Africa’s Blue Economy

Luanda: The Declaration of the High-Level Conference on the Blue Economy in Africa, adopted on Friday in Luanda, advocates for sustainable financing based on the creation of innovative mechanisms. According to Angola Press News Agency, the document cites National Blue Funds, Blue Bonds, blue insurance, and debt-for-nature swaps as ways to reduce Africa's reliance on external resources. It establishes a set of strategic commitments for the blue economy that are binding on African Union member states. The declaration defines a timeline for "Normative Domestication" (by 2028), mandating the integration of the African Blue Economy Strategy (AU-BES) into national legislation and budgets, supported by marine and riverine spatial planning. The document highlights the need for a standardized national accounting system to measure "Blue GDP" and calls for the development of a regional platform for sharing data and knowledge. For the document's signatories, environmental conservation is essential, specifically the "30 x30" goal. This entails expanding Marine Protected Areas and restoring ecosystems to cover at least 30% of aquatic spaces-both within and beyond national jurisdiction-while safeguarding mangroves and reefs for their biodiversity and blue carbon value. The declaration recommends promoting social equity by setting a mandatory target of at least 40% representation for women, youth, and local communities in advisory bodies and economic development programs. It also establishes crucial tools for monitoring, implementation, and accountability among member states. Furthermore, it reaffirms the contribution of the African Continental Free Trade Area to deepening economic integration in Africa, asserting that this regional market will only truly prosper if the continent's maritime corridors and rivers are safe, clean, and managed by African institutions. To this end, the declaration calls upon international partners, the private sector, and development finance institutions to align their technical and financial supp ort with the continental priorities of the African Union's Blue Economy Strategy. It also urges all Member States to ratify the Lomé Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa. 'Africa cannot remain a mere spectator to the exploitation of its own seas and aquatic resources. It is imperative to assume political leadership. The time has come to move, with courage, boldness, and scientific rigor, from strategy to action,' the document states. Topics analyzed at the event included 'The state of the blue economy in Africa,' 'Regional cooperation for economic transformation,' and 'Digital technologies and data systems,' among others. The conference began on Wednesday (the 22nd) and concludes today, Saturday, with internal sessions and a visit to FILDA. The event drew over 400 participants from ten countries and aligns with commitments made by Angola under the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Blue Economy Strategy 2020-2030.