The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) is a flagship initiative of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative, duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria.
From 2018 to Date
ABER has evolved into a voluntary, individual-membership continental networking platform. We now have Regional Coordinators across the African Union’s 6 recognized regions: West, North, Central, East, Southern Africa, and the African Diaspora as the 6th Region.
Our Mandate
To promote the sustainable harnessing of Africa’s ocean, coastal, and inland water resources for economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.
We invite you to join the ongoing conversation on building a resilient, inclusive, and sovereign African Blue Economy.
MANDATE & HISTORY: 2018 – 2026
1. Origins – 2018
ABER was established in response to the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIM Strategy) and Agenda 2063.
Hosted under the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative, it was created as a civil society, private sector, and community-led platform to advance the blue economy beyond government policy.
2. Mandate
ABER’s mandate is to:
– Advocate for policy alignment with AU Agenda 2063, SDG 14, and ILO Convention 188 on Decent Work in Fisheries
– Network professionals, women, youth, academia, and the diaspora across Africa’s maritime and blue sectors
. Mobilize partnerships, investment, and expertise for bankable blue economy projects in fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, ports, renewable energy, blue carbon, and maritime safety
– Promote sustainability and stewardship of marine and freshwater ecosystems
3. Growth & Structure – 2018 to 2026
– Launched as a Nigeria-based conversation platform under BRACED
– Expanded into a continental platform with voluntary membership
– Established the ABER Women’s Forum
– Appointed Regional Coordinators in all 6 AU regions, including the African Diaspora, to connect capital, skills, and markets
– Constituted a Regional Council and a Continental Management Committee
– Engaging with partners on blue economy dialogues, training, and projects
4. Our Focus Today
ABER positions itself as “Africa’s Blue Economy People’s Platform” — linking grassroots fishers and coastal communities to policy, finance, and innovation for a just blue transition.
