The 2025 National Blue Economy Stakeholders’ Conference opened today in Dar es Salaam, with the Deputy Parmanent Secretary of the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) from Zanzibar, Abdallah Hassan, officially launching the event.
The conference aims to bring together stakeholders from fisheries, ports, energy, tourism, and marine research to explore opportunities and tackle challenges in developing Tanzania’s blue economy for sustainable national growth.
Hassan underscored Tanzania’s unique advantage of a vast coastline and rich marine resources, emphasizing the need for strategic plans to protect and utilize these assets efficiently.
He highlighted that proper management of marine resources can generate employment, boost revenue, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.
“This conference will provide strategic guidance and policy recommendations to strengthen collaboration among government, private sector, and development partners in promoting the blue economy,” he said.
Dr. Asha Suleiman, Director of the Institute of Marine Research, described the gathering as an essential platform for researchers and scientists to share knowledge on new technologies in sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.
“Research must be a tool to ensure that our marine resources benefit citizens while preserving the ecological balance of our oceans,” Dr. Suleiman noted.
Hamisi Juma, representing the Tanzania Fisheries Association, highlighted challenges facing small-scale fishers, including limited access to modern equipment and capital, which restricts their contribution to the blue economy.
“We expect the government to prioritize empowering small-scale fishers, who form the backbone of employment in coastal communities,” Juma said.
The two-day conference will bring together experts, investors, researchers, and representatives from government and private institutions.
Attendees will also witness innovation exhibitions and engage in in-depth discussions about the future of Tanzania’s blue economy and its potential to drive sustainable growth.
