Z’bar calls for cooperation to boost blue economy
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the blue economy through regional cooperation, youth and women-led investments and value chain development in the fisheries sector.
Speaking during the opening of the regional stakeholders’ forum, Director of Oil and Gas Development, Eng Mwadini Juma Khatib said the government is committed to ensure the development of the sector for the benefit of all Tanzanians.
Eng Khatib represented the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Capt Hamad Bakar Hamad.
The three-day event is jointly organised by TradeMark Africa, the AfCFTA Secretariat’s Private Sector Unit and the Mastercard Foundation. In his remarks, Eng Khatib expressed appreciation to the organisers and participants from across Africa, noting that the forum provides a platform to forge strategic partnerships and share experiences to propel the continent’s blue economy forward.
“The blue economy is the foundation of Zanzibar’s development. We must strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector, development organisations and communities to unlock opportunities for employment, improved nutrition and marine environmental protection,” he said.
Zanzibar’s priority areas in the Blue Economy include: Marine and inland fisheries; aquaculture and seaweed farming, especially involving women; marine tourism; maritime trade and transport; marine biotechnology and bioresources and offshore renewable energy.
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While outlining these areas, Eng Khatib also acknowledged critical challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of capital for small-scale entrepreneurs, weak regulatory enforcement and the impacts of climate change.
He emphasised that the government has developed robust strategies to address these issues, including improving fisheries infrastructure, creating market and financing opportunities for youths and women and investing in research and technology to align with regional policies such as the AfCFTA and EAC frameworks.
The forum, he noted, would explore how to expand regional and continental market access for processed fish and marine products and discuss how AfCFTA could facilitate trade and support inclusive value chains that empower women and youths.
“This platform is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate and develop innovative solutions that will transform lives through the Blue Economy. Zanzibar is ready to become a model of success for Africa,” he added.
Representing the Lake Victoria Basin Commission under the East African Community, Sindi Kasambala stressed the forum’s goal of promoting economic empowerment for women and youths through integrated fisheries value chains and better access to regional markets.
“Fishing remains a pillar of employment, food security and economic development in the EAC. However, women and youths often lack access to economic opportunities and markets,” said Kasambala.
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She added: “This meeting aims to establish inclusive, actionable strategies to open up opportunities for all.” She underscored the need for enabling policies, improved infrastructure, access to capital, business training and both national and regional cooperation to expand cross-border trade within and beyond the EAC.
Participants from various African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Nigeria, Zambia, DRC, Comoros and Cabo Verde welcomed the training and discussions.
