Yaoundé, Cameroon – April 2026 Global momentum to advance sustainable development is turning to Africa’s waters, with aquatic ecosystems increasingly recognized as engines for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.
The blue economy – defined as the sustainable use of all marine and inland waters to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits – is moving from concept to action across the continent.
From Policy to Practice
In 2015, the African Union adopted its Integrated Maritime Strategy, followed by the Africa Blue Economy Strategy in 2020. To support evidence-based policymaking, the UN Economic Commission for Africa developed the Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit (BEVTK) in 2020. The toolkit is now in use in several African countries.
In Central Africa, interest has intensified since the 2017 Douala Consensus, which framed the blue economy as a pathway for diversification, industrialization, and inclusion. The Economic Community of Central African States has since adopted a regional strategy aligned with the AU framework, while flagging gaps in data and harmonized valuation methods.
This momentum peaked at the 2025 International Conference on the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea in Yaoundé. The Conference Declaration called for increased investment in data, finance, science, and innovation, and endorsed the ECA’s BEVTK as a reference tool for member states.
Cameroon Takes the Lead
Cameroon is now positioning the blue economy as a pillar of national sustainable development. The Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries is spearheading a National Blue Economy Strategy. In parallel, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development is working with ECA to deploy the BEVTK and produce Cameroon’s first socioeconomic and environmental valuation to inform the strategy.
“This first assessment is not about chasing a ‘perfect’ number,” officials noted. “The goal is to establish a common methodology, test valuation approaches with available data, and generate initial estimates that can guide policy.”
A core team of technical staff from MINEPAT, MINEPIA, the National Institute of Statistics, and other public institutions is being trained to continue measuring and monitoring the blue economy long-term.
Building Capacity, Anchoring Policy
This year’s Blue Economy Week in Cameroon marked the start of that process: launching a structured national assessment, strengthening technical capacity, and creating dialogue space to embed blue economy metrics into national policy and statistical systems.
The exercise positions Cameroon and Central Africa to better manage aquatic resources, attract blue investment, and build climate resilience for coastal and inland communities.
About ECA
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa advances the economic and social development of its member states, fosters regional integration, and promotes international cooperation for Africa’s development.
Source: © Copyright UNECA, 2022.
