The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), also known as The Blue Council Africa, has opened discussions with the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission in Abuja on a strategic partnership to advance Africa’s Blue Economy.

The engagement focused on establishing a framework for institutional cooperation, joint programme development, resource mobilisation and coordinated implementation of initiatives under the AU Agenda 2063 framework.

Speaking at the meeting, ABER Chief of Staff to the Convener and Head of its Abuja Liaison Bureau, Dr Amenya Kartay, highlighted the potential of Africa’s marine, coastal, freshwater and aquatic resources to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote inclusive development.

Kartay, who delivered a technical presentation on Blue Economy development in Africa, stressed the need for stronger continental cooperation to translate the continent’s aquatic resources into measurable economic and social benefits.

Also speaking, ABER Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Hajiya Madina Dauda Nadabo, outlined the organisation’s mission, vision and strategic objectives, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable Blue Economy development and stronger continental collaboration.

The delegation also briefed the mission on ABER’s planned engagements with key government stakeholders in the sector, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy.

It formally invited the mission to partner with ABER in developing and implementing joint programmes to advance Africa’s Blue Economy agenda.

The proposed partnership will focus on programme planning, technical cooperation, stakeholder mobilisation, capacity development, investment promotion and the implementation of scalable Blue Economy initiatives across the continent.

In his response, President of the AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission in Abuja, Ambassador Dr Stephen Ben-Joel, welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in formalising the relationship.

Ben-Joel said the mission was ready to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ABER to provide a framework for joint programme development, partnership and implementation.

He also pledged the mission’s support for collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing Africa’s Blue Economy and promoting sustainable development.

Other officials present included the mission’s Vice President, Ambassador Architect Felix Arome, and Ambassador Adaji Onu-Ura.

The AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission in Abuja promotes the localisation and acceleration of the African Union’s long-term framework for Africa’s socioeconomic transformation.

Its areas of focus include peacebuilding, institutional cooperation, water diplomacy, infrastructure, digital innovation and economic integration.

The mission’s objectives align with Agenda 2063’s aspirations to expand intra-African trade, empower young people and women, and promote sustainable community development.