Dr. Fatou Diouf, Minister of Fisheries, Maritime and Port Infrastructures, participated in the 4th International Conference on the Blue Economy in Gambia from February 19 to 21, 2025. She reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to playing a leading role in regional dynamics.
« The Blue Economy represents a historic opportunity to transform our societies and ensure harmonious development between economic growth and the preservation of marine resources. However, this transition requires strong political will, solid financial commitments, and close cooperation between our states. This is why all actors must unite their efforts to establish common policies, share our experiences, and promote innovative solutions. Senegal reaffirms its commitment to playing a leading role in this regional dynamic and remains willing to collaborate with all its partners for a future where our oceans will symbolize shared prosperity, » emphasized Dr. Fatou Diouf during the meeting.
According to the Minister of Fisheries, Senegal can diversify its economy, create sustainable jobs, and preserve its marine resources for future generations by investing in the blue economy.
Dr. Fatou Diouf continued: « For these reasons, in the context of formulating a Regional Compact on the blue economy, initiated by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Senegal was chosen among the eligible economies in this program. Consequently, targeted intervention priorities have been defined as follows: the establishment of robust policies to ensure sustainable fisheries management by strengthening regulations against overfishing and illegal fishing; the expansion of aquaculture with a community-based approach to meet the growing demand for fish-derived protein and reduce pressure on wild stocks; the evaluation and updating of the National Adaptation Plan for Fisheries/Aquaculture in response to the effects of climate change, with a new implementation strategy and an action plan from 2024 to 2027 to address new challenges such as loss and damage (a fund for loss and damage was effective at COP 28 in Dubai); the launch of marine spatial planning; blue decarbonization through the restoration of seagrass meadows and mangroves, and the immersion of special artificial reefs; job creation through the development of port infrastructure, processing industries, and the promotion of local initiatives, particularly for youth and women. »
The Minister of Fisheries believes that the blue economy represents a major opportunity for Africa, capable of generating jobs, enhancing food security, and stimulating economic growth. Its success will depend on the continent’s ability to adopt sustainable practices, strengthen governance, and invest in the necessary infrastructure.
« The blue economy is an economic model that aims to assess all marine and freshwater ecosystem services to propose sustainable exploitation pathways for marine and aquatic resources. Indeed, the blue economy is an essential pillar of sustainable development, particularly for a continent like Africa, rich in marine and aquatic resources. This note aims to present the stakes, opportunities, and challenges of the blue economy in Africa, as well as pathways for its development, » said the Minister of Fisheries.
She concluded: « To recall, the blue economy can be defined as a concept that encompasses the sustainable use of oceanic, marine, and aquatic resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation. In the African context, it holds great importance, both conceptually and directive, as the 38 coastal states have an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 13 million km² and abundant fishery resources, with immense maritime potential. »
Source: aip.ci
