The blue economy presents Tanzania and Africa with significant opportunities to expand food security, create jobs and improve livelihoods if marine and freshwater resources are harnessed sustainably, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office – Union Affairs and Environment, Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni, has said.
Mr Masauni said the Fifth International Blue Economy Conference was being held at a time when countries were increasingly recognising oceans, lakes, rivers and coastal areas as strategic economic assets rather than merely natural resources.
He said Africa had placed the blue economy at the centre of its economic transformation agenda, with the sector offering opportunities across areas such as fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, trade and other water-based activities.
“The blue economy resources should no longer be viewed merely as natural heritage, but as strategic resources capable of contributing significantly to food security, trade, employment and the well-being of communities,” Mr Masauni said.
The conference is being held under the theme “Powering Blue Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth in Africa,” which Mr Masauni said underscored the need to convert the continent’s vast water resources into practical economic opportunities through science, technology, innovation and investment.
He said the approach was also consistent with Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, which identifies the blue economy as an important pillar in building a competitive and sustainable economy.
Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzele said the sector was closely linked to Tanzania’s history and the livelihoods of millions of people.
He said the country had considerable potential to expand the blue economy, supported by its 1,424-kilometre coastline and major water bodies, including Lake Tanganyika.
According to Mr Kihenzele, the Government was working to create an enabling environment for the sustainable utilisation of the country’s water resources.
He said the Sixth Phase Government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was committed to ensuring that blue economy resources were used efficiently while protecting them for future generations.
Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) Principal Prof Tumaini Gurumo said the conference was established in 2022 to strengthen education and research, particularly in water transport.
He said the forum had since evolved into a platform bringing together government officials, researchers and other stakeholders to examine how Tanzania and other African countries could maximise the economic potential of their water resources.
“The conference provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share knowledge, research and practical solutions on how to harness blue economy opportunities for sustainable development,” Prof Gurumo said.
The Fifth International Blue Economy Conference was officially opened on September 7 and will run until September 9, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.