Kusini Kwetu

By Vincent Mpepo

Academics and researchers in African higher learning institutions have been urged to conduct studies that provide practical solutions for the sustainable use of marine resources in order to effectively implement the Blue Economy concept and drive Africa’s economic and social development.

A group photo of academics from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the Open University of Tanzania and lecturers from the University of South Africa (UNISA), taken shortly after a brief meeting focused on exploring potential collaboration in teaching, research, and exchange programs for students and faculty.

The call was made during a high-level academic dialogue held yesterday at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam and attended by scholars, academics, government officials, private sector representatives, and diplomats from across Africa and beyond.

Contributing to the discussions, former South African President and current Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), Dr. Thabo Mbeki, said the concept of the Blue Economy remains poorly understood at a practical level.

“A large percentage of our people still lack proper knowledge of what the Blue Economy entails. We must therefore prioritize public awareness and education if we want this concept to be well understood and implemented,” Dr. Mbeki emphasized.

Dr. Dunlop Ochieng, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Open University of Tanzania, stressed that any form of development must take into account how ordinary citizens will benefit.

“How do we ensure their safety and inclusion? Too often we’ve seen economic initiatives, including foreign investments, where local communities are left to pick up the scraps while the best resources are exported,” he said.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of resources such as the Nile River to countries like Egypt, questioning whether the Blue Economy is sometimes used more as a buzzword than a development reality.

Joseph Butiku, Executive Director of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Foundation, said Africa needs courageous and visionary leaders who will spearhead efforts to achieve self-reliance in thought and confidence in development pursuits.

“The Organization of African Unity (OAU) helped liberate African nations from colonial rule. Today, the African Union (AU) must champion economic, political, and social liberation,” Butiku stated.

He also thanked Dr. Mbeki for choosing Tanzania to host the dialogue that has provided a valuable platform to assess the potential of the Blue Economy and explore strategic ways to harness marine resources for the continent’s economic emancipation.

Dr. Narriman Jiddawi, a Senior Researcher on marine resources, spoke about the cultural and mindset shifts occurring in Zanzibar, where women are increasingly participating in income-generating activities linked to marine resources, reflecting a growing inclusivity in the Blue Economy.

The dialogue emphasized the critical role of research, policy integration, and grassroots involvement in ensuring that Africa’s Blue Economy is not just a theoretical concept but a real driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development.