ABEF is about bold new thinking to accelerate Africa’s structural transformation and create jobs for a young population on the rise.

The first Africa Blue Economy Forum was hosted in London on 8th June 2018 to raise awareness on the unique potential of the oceans to accelerate Africa’s sustainable development.

Based on last year’s recommendations which were compiled in the ABEF2018 Report, Blue Jay Communication is organising the second edition of the Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) which will take place

in Tunis on 25-26 June 2019.

 

Once again, government and business leaders, international investors, ocean innovators and civil society from across the globe will get together to recognise the importance of the Blue Economy in advancing Africa’s development agenda.

Discussions will focus on opportunities and innovations in emerging and frontier sectors of the Blue Economy and how they can help accelerate Africa’s transformation. Panel topics will include: Public-private partnerships; Fishing & Aquaculture; Ports & Trade; Ocean Energy; Governance & Security; Women Empowerment; Youth Education; and Ocean Financing.

 

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DAY 1: TUESDAY 25th JUNE 2019

08:00 – 09:00 | Registration & welcome coffee

09:00 – 09:10 | Opening

09:10 – 09:15 | Keynote address

09:15 – 10:00 | Blue Talk

10:00 – 11:00 | Panel 1
Public-private partnerships: incentives, opportunities and actions – How can PPPs help advance a Sustainable Blue Economy?

Technology innovations are creating new opportunities in the area of maritime activities. How can Governments and businesses work closer together to harness the full potential of the oceans and foster an inclusive Blue Economy in Africa?

11:00 – 11:15 | Networking break

11:15 – 12:15 | Panel 2
Women empowerment in the maritime sector: How can we encourage and enable more women to join the industry?

According to the FAO, women play a key role in the fisheries and aquaculture value chain. Yet their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. How can the AU, national port authorities, maritime operators and other stakeholders help identify more opportunities to develop a sustainable and integrated maritime sector that will create jobs and encourage more “maritime female champions” to emerge?   

12:15 – 13:15 | Panel 3
Fishing & aquaculture: what are the latest trends and practices to improve food security and boost sustainable growth?

Aquaculture growth in Africa can play a catalytic role in reducing extreme poverty, building resilient communities and fostering stronger economies. What are the main challenges and opportunities for the industry to grow? What are the requirements (e.g. training, capacity building, governance) that need to be addressed beforehand?

13:15 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 15:00 | Panel 4
Ocean pollution: what are the new regulatory tools and regulations in Africa?

Recent studies estimate that over 1 million marine species and at least 100 million marine mammals are killed each year due to plastic debris alone whilst the cumulative weight of warming, acidification, habitat destruction, coastal pollution and overfishing is threatening the health of our oceans. How to prevent land debris from impacting our oceans and turning the challenge of pollution into economic opportunity?

15:00 – 16:00 | Panel 5
Ocean governance & security: how can we better protect Africa’s maritime resources?

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has shown its limitations as ocean related crises continue to develop around the globe. Some of the most pressing challenges range from fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; regulating and managing the impacts of seabed exploration and mining; fighting piracy and marine pollution; to spatial maritime planning. How can international and African stakeholders get together to build an efficient framework for better ocean governance?

16:00 – 16:15 | Networking break

16:15 – 17:15 | Panel 6
Sustainable ocean energy: what are the opportunities and innovations?

Unlike other renewable industries, ocean energy generation is still widely underdeveloped. What are the opportunities and how can they help address the global demand?

17:15 – 18:00 | Case study

18:30 – 20:00 | Networking drink

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DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE 2019

9:00 – 9:15 | Special address

09:15 – 10:15 | Panel 7
Ports & sustainable shipping: how can we increase capacity and efficiency to stimulate sustainable trade?

Building efficient ports and optimising maritime routes are key elements to facilitating commercial trade, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth. In order to meet the requirements of a sustainable blue economy, stakeholders need to invest in infrastructure development, implement environment friendly policies and make use of smart technologies. What are the strategies to improve regional and international cooperation?

10:15 – 11:15 | Panel 8
Youth education: how can we build capacities and increase awareness on the Blue Economy?

Capacity building and education on the Blue Economy should reflect the reality of the job market and adapt to a quickly evolving sector covering a wide range of activities, from renewable energy and biotech to shipping and tourism. How can we support the development of a knowledgeable youth, promote the use of innovative technologies across Blue Economy industries and make activities like waste management more appealing to young people?

11:15 – 11:30 | Networking break

11:30 – 12:30 | Panel 9
Innovative funding solutions: how can we unlock investments to scale up Africa’s Blue Economy?

Ocean financing is still a relatively new discipline. Initiatives like the TIAA-CREF Social Choice Bond Fund and the US$15 million blue bond, which was launched by the Republic of Seychelles on 29th October 2018, are paving the way for investors to be more creative. What are the next steps for African nations and financial stakeholders to unlock investments?

12:30 – 13:00 | Closing remarks

14:00 – 16:00 | B to B Networking (on request)

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