ECA Southern Africa Chief said.

He said some Southern African countries have adopted strategic plans and development blueprints to transform their blue economy sector.

For example, South Africa hopes to grow its blue economy sector from 54 billion Rands and 316,000 jobs in 2010 to 177 billion Rands and about 1 million jobs by 2033, a feat Mr. Ademujobi said was remarkable.

Seychelles has developed a National Blue Economy Roadmap through which it seeks to accelerate economic growth and diversification, while Mauritius has Vision 2030, which provides an overall development framework, including on the blue economy sector.

“However, the blue economy sector is very complex and dynamic, with various challenges and risks which require more of collective action, cooperation, partnerships and regional frameworks in order to address them,” said Mr. Adejumobi.

Some ofthe associated challenges and risks of the blue economy include issues of governance and security of the ocean, piracy and terrorism, climate change, ocean environmental sustainability, poor infrastructure and technology, effective production connectivity with land-linked and land-locked countries, financing, and poor technical skills and capacity, he said, adding that more needs to be done at the regional level in the transformation of the blue economy sector through an integrated and holistic approach.

New frontier of African renaissance

The African Union hails the blue economy as the new frontier of African renaissance and its representative at the meeting, Mr. Auguste Ngomo, said the blue economy opens doors for Africa’s industrialization and economic development.

“Like the role played by charcoal and steam engines for the first industrial revolution or oil and electricity for