GOVERNING AFRICA’S BLUE ECONOMY: THE PROTECTION AND UTILISATION OF THE CONTINENT’S BLUE SPACES

Abstract

In Agenda 2063 the African Union (AU) prioritised the utilisation of the resources in oceans as the new frontier of its blue economy. Africa’s ”inland waterways” were added to the scope of the blue economy in the 2050 AIM Strategy. Most of Africa’s marine ecosystems and large water spaces are shared by different countries which requires the transcendence of national interests, the harmonisation of national and regional policies and multi stakeholder participation in strong institutions guided by a legal framework. The protection, securitisation and sustainable utilisation of blue spaces are key pillars for the governance of the blue economy. The first part focuses on the contribution of Africa’s blue spaces to the development of the continent, the growing challenges to these spaces in the twenty-first century and UNCLOS’ legal zoning of oceans to manage their protection and utilisation. The second part focuses on the governance of Africa’s blue economy and the security challenges to Africa’s oceans. The last part focuses on the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) and finds the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) to be legitimate, accountable and its policies adaptive and guided by human needs, ecosystem sustainability, and long-term economic growth.