Africa’s ocean wealth is currently worth up to $405 billion annually and by 2030 and it has the potential to create thousands of jobs, contribute to food security and climate resilience, if guided by research, technology and innovation.
Science, Research and Innovation Principal Secretary Shaukat Abdulrazak speaking during the 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA2025) symposium, gave compelling reflections on science and innovation for Africa’s Blue Economy.
In his keynote address, Prof Abdulrazak defended how Kenya is stepping up the establishment of Blue Economy Science Parks, building artificial intelligence and digital fisheries hubs, scaling investment in research and development from 0.8 per cent progressively to 2 per cent of GDP and expanding PPPs in ports, aquaculture and green shipping.
The principal secretary observed that Blue Economy is more than a sector but instead it was Africa’s generational opportunity.
“If we embed science, research, innovation and inclusion into every value chain, we will create millions of decent jobs and protect biodiversity, as well as food systems,” said Prof Abdulrazak, adding that this will build resilient, prosperous and inclusive coastal societies.
He noted that the ocean is Kenya’s past, present and future added, “If we take care of it, the ocean will take care of us as citizens of Africa and the globe.”
The principal secretary enumerated some challenges that face Kenya and Africa, with loses of up to $10 billion annually due to illegal fishing, plastic pollution and rising sea levels of up to 3.6mm per year.
Prof Abdulrazak lamented that Africa contributes less than two per cent of global ocean science knowledge, where women and youth are often excluded from marine value chains.
He cautioned that without urgent action, the current promise will remain untapped, adding that, “If we develop an ecosystem with collaborative approach- policymakers, academia, research institutions and private sector, we can reverse the trend.”
- A Tell Media / KNA report / By Joseph Kamolo Mutua
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