FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: STRENGTHENING AFRICA'S BLUE ECONOMY
Concept Note & Agenda
Organizers: AKADEMIYA2063, Malabo Montpellier Panel, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)/BioInnovate Africa.
Africa’s extensive coastlines, rivers, and freshwater lakes provide a strong foundation for the blue bioeconomy. Capture fisheries and aquaculture have expanded, with Africa now leading global aquaculture growth. Meanwhile, rising populations, urbanization, and incomes are driving increased fish demand. However, challenges such as overfishing, limited infrastructure, pollution, climate change, and resource depletion constrain development.
The Malabo Montpellier Panel’s Fish-Friendly report highlights how African governments are addressing these issues through innovative policies, institutional reforms, and programmatic interventions that boost sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The evidence-based interventions in the report illustrate how integrated governance, investment, and innovation can drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and deliver environmental benefits in alignment with regional frameworks, such as the African Union’s Kampala CAADP Declaration, and global commitments, including the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.
Expert Panel 6 at GFFA 2026 will build on these insights by providing a platform for key stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore how strengthening the blue bioeconomy can sustainably enhance food security, livelihoods, and aquatic ecosystems.
