The African Development Bank Group and Shanghai Ocean University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, blue economy development and capacity building. This agreement should contribute to Africa’s efforts to promote sustainable growth and unleash the potential of its blue economy.
Jacques Edjangue, Vice President of People and Talent Management of the African Development Bank Group, signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Bank during an official visit to Shanghai, while Wei Hu, President of the Shanghai Oceanic University, signed for his institution. The memorandum of understanding was signed on May 12, 2026.
Under this agreement, the African Development Bank Group and Shanghai Oceanic University will cooperate in five priority areas: fisheries and aquaculture, marine science, blue economy development, academic exchanges, as well as talent development and capacity building. Partners will create a framework for collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, academic cooperation and professional development.
« Africa’s blue economy offers important opportunities for sustainable development, innovation and employment, » said Mr. Edjangue. “Partnerships with leading institutions, such as Shanghai Oceanic University, help expand access to knowledge, skills and expertise, which can help African countries build resilient economies and create opportunities for future generations. «
« The African Development Bank Group is at the heart of Africa’s development architecture, playing a central role in mobilizing funding, promoting regional cooperation and accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent, » said Mr. Hu. “Today’s signing ceremony marks an important milestone in the partnership between our two institutions. It concretely illustrates the strengthening of Sino-African cooperation in the fields of science, technology and education, and reflects our common commitment to promote the spirit of South-South cooperation. «
This partnership advances the Four Cardinal Points of the Bank Group, in particular point 3, which aims to transform the demographic weight of African youth into dividends through investments in human capital and skills development. It also supports efforts to unleash the power of Africa’s capital by fostering knowledge partnerships that strengthen institutional capacity and innovation. In addition, this collaboration contributes to the construction of resilient systems and the creation of added value for natural resources, in particular through the promotion of sustainable ocean development and the blue economy.
source : afdb
