Blue economy
A two-day blue economy continental forum has kicked off at Diani Reef Hotel, Kwale with the aim to catalyse the growth of the blue economy sector through strategic investments.
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya who opened the forum- Blue Invest Africa- says public and private sector stakeholders will engage in serious discussions and share their perspectives on issues related to the lucrative blue economy sector.
Blue Invest Africa is a business-to-business event that aims to catalyse the growth of Africa’s Blue Economy through strategic investments in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The conference was also attended by a European Union (EU) delegation led by EU Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Director-General Charlina Vitcheva and Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya.
Others attending are Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi and her Maritime Affairs counterpart Geoffrey Eyanae Kaituko and Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani. The business event brings together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to explore opportunities for sustainable development in “blue economy” sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, IT technologies, robotics, marine pollution, plastic litters, and renewable energy.
The conference features a keynote address by President William Ruto delivered by CS Mvurya, panel discussions, and interactive sessions on opportunities in the blue economy sector.
CS Mvurya who termed the blue economy as ‘our next frontier for development’ says the blue economy sector sits pretty well and resonates with stakeholders in the country and has the political goodwill, the economic inspiration and the requisite social infrastructure.
Mvurya lauded the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu for their zeal with which the blue economy has been synchronized, harmonized and integrated into their county development plans. He noted that the Blue Invest Forum will open up the coastal counties in improving and enhancing livelihoods through investment opportunities in the blue economy sectors and the marine ecosystems.
“The conference affirms the commitment of the government to illuminate this particular sector and provides a great opportunity for the participants to network, access to investors, knowledge exchange, and recognition and skill development,” said Mvurya adding that Kenya is committed to strengthen efforts to build a blue economy that will ensure sustainable growth.
The CS further stated that Kenya is an excellent leader in the blue economy across Africa because of its strategic position as host of part of the Indian Ocean and the many blue spaces such as the rivers, lakes and dams. Mvurya noted that the blue economy sector has the potential to become Kenya’s ‘new growth engine’ contributing to the Gross Domestic Product GDP growth and increasing sustainable development.
He says being a member of the East African Community (EAC) and having signed the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) agreements coupled with its strategic position, Kenya provides a nexus for Africa.
“Kenya currently is also leading the global discussion on climate change which resonates well with the blue economy,” he said adding that the blue economy forum will discuss coastal livelihoods, food security and climate change. He says Kenya, as a member of the International Maritime Organization Category C, has also positioned itself strategically to influence the global framework on international trade, 90 per cent of which happens in the Indian Ocean.
“Indeed, Kenya plays a pivotal role in the blue economy and that is why we offered to host the blue economy here in Diani, Kwale County, so that we can continue to profile and position Kenya as a leader in the blue economy,” he said. Governor Achani noted that the forum will allow Kwale to benefit from investment opportunities offered in fishing, marine ecosystems, tourism, marine energy and waste management opportunities.
Achani pointed out that Kwale has an incredible ambience busting in the tourism industry which is coupled with pristine beaches and urged investors present to seek to invest in Kwale. The forum has attracted over 400 investors across the African countries and around the globe in investment opportunities, knowledge sharing and networking.
Ms Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya said the conference strengthens the critical role played by investors and blue finance. She said the forum is a significant opportunity to demonstrate the considerable leadership and commitment of African countries towards a blue economy.
