The second Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) will take place from 25-26 June 2019 in Tunis, focussing on the maritime trade and economic powerhouse at the crossroads between Europe and Africa
The annual event is set to bring together more than 150 delegates from across the globe including ocean experts and innovators, African political leaders and policymakers, international entrepreneurs and investors, as well as NGOs and multilateral, to discuss the great potential of the blue economy to drive sustainable growth in Africa.
Last year, during the forum’s inauguration, speakers and delegates at ABEF2018 agreed on the need for innovative financing to start developing Africa’s blue economy on a wider scale, involving not only governments but also the private sector. Building on these recommendations, ABEF2019 will have a strong focus on business and investment.
Discussions are expected to explore the opportunities and innovations in emerging and frontier sectors of the blue economy and how they can help accelerate Africa’s transformation.
Africa’s maritime industry is estimated at around US$1 trillion per year and the asset value of ocean economy ecosystems around US$24 trillion. The Blue Economy has a unique potential to create jobs, sustain livelihoods for local communities and offer low-cost impactful climate change adaptation solutions on the continent.
Leila Ben Hassen, founder and CEO of ABEF organiser, Blue Jay Communication, said, “This year’s forum is designed as an action-oriented platform aiming to create partnerships, facilitate investments and ultimately create jobs for Africa’s youth while engaging more women in the Blue Economy value chain.”
