The integrated approach developed by Morocco in terms of the blue economy is a “model to follow,” emphasized the Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta at the World Bank (WB), Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye.
In a statement to MAP on the sidelines of the 1st edition of the African Oceans Week, which is taking place from October 7 to 10 in Tangier, Mr. Ndiaye stated that Morocco is an “example,” as it has succeeded, with the support of the WB in the form of $350 million in funding through its results program “Development of the Blue Economy,” in developing an integrated approach to the blue economy, particularly in the areas of fishing and coastal tourism, among others.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of this event, which brings together more than thirty African delegations to discuss the challenges and contributions of the blue economy to Africa’s economic development, expressing the hope that this conference will lead to concrete recommendations, enabling all countries to develop an approach as integrated as that of Morocco.
“Given the stakes and the contribution of the blue economy to achieving the WB’s goal related to eradicating poverty on a livable planet, we wanted to support the Moroccan government and all the African delegations participating in this event to reflect on this issue,” he noted.
Mr. Ndiaye also indicated that the World Bank has invested heavily in the blue economy over the past five years, specifying that its funding envelope has nearly doubled, rising from $5 billion to $10 billion during this period.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of investing more in this area in Africa, recalling that according to estimates from the African Union, the blue economy generates more than $300 billion and supports nearly 50 million people on the continent.
“This event is therefore an opportunity to reflect on the economic stakes of the blue economy and to examine the challenges posed in this area,” he insisted, noting that he proposed key principles to consider during these deliberations to ensure that the blue economy can fully play its role.
The African Oceans Week is dedicated to promoting the blue economy and the sustainable management of marine resources in Africa, bringing together ministers, experts, scientists, and international representatives.
It includes major events, such as the African High-Level Consultation on October 9, in preparation for the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3), as well as the Blue Africa Summit meeting on October 10, which will gather African leaders, scientific experts, and economic actors to discuss the challenges of the blue economy.