Faced with climate challenges and growing pressure on marine resources, Africa and the Caribbean are relying on the blue and green economies to strengthen their cooperation. Renewable energies, ocean protection, maritime infrastructure and clean technologies open up new prospects. A dynamic called to take on an economic dimension, with trade that could reach $1.8 billion by 2028.
Africa and the Caribbean have significant marine resources that are still underexploited. Fishing, aquaculture, sustainable tourism and marine energies offer prospects for economic diversification, job creation and strengthening food security. The sustainable governance of maritime areas thus becomes a common issue for the two regions.
Each region has its own teachings, and the exchange of information promotes the transmission of best practices. Despite their large disparities, Africa and the Caribbean share similar climate issues, such as water shortages, drought, heat waves and storms. It is through the sharing of experiences that we will be able to face it effectively.
DR KARL DAWSON, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue and Green Economy
However, this wealth is weakened by pollution, overexploitation and climate change. Up to 94% of coral reefs could disappear by 2050 without an urgent reduction in CO2 emissions. Hurricanes, rising sea levels and degradation of ecosystems directly threaten coastal populations and economic activities.
Since hurricanes threaten our crops every year, adaptation is essential—whether insurance, innesteries or plant reserves—to ensure a quick restart. Unable to stop storms, it is by exchanging our experiences between Africa and the Caribbean that we will be able to recover better and consolidate our resilience.
DR KARL DAWSON, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue and Green Economy
Faced with these challenges, investments in ocean protection and clean energy are multiplying. In the Eastern Caribbean, the CROP project mobilized $6.3 million, while the project « Strengthening Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean through the Reduction of Marine Waste » has about $3 million to combat marine waste. This approach is in line with African priorities for energy access and ecological transition.
One way to accelerate this dynamic would be to increase production on both sides. Investments, especially those from African banks, can help increase production capacities. But the main challenge will be to solve the logistical problems to transport products from one territory to another and reach sufficient volumes to make these exchanges economically viable.
DR KARL DAWSON, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue and Green Economy
This cooperation aims to develop renewable energy, maritime infrastructure and clean technologies. Faced with nearly 600 million Africans without electricity, the potential is vast. According to the International Trade Centre and Afreximbank, bilateral trade could reach $1.8 billion by 2028, making the blue and green economy a strategic lever for shared development.
source : Africa 24
