Staff Reporter
THE Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, has underscored the importance of sustainably harnessing ocean resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, boost tourism, and enhance food and energy production.
“For a coastal state like Namibia, the blue economy offers hope not only for our people, but also for our neighbours who, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, are now sea-linked. The challenges of connectivity between and among African countries cannot be ignored, as this directly relates to cross-border trade challenges,” he said.
CHAMPIONING BLUE ECONOMY: Scenes from the high-level thematic side event held on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama, Japan. Photos: Ministry of International Relations and Trade.
He made these remarks at a high-level thematic side event held on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), in Yokohama, Japan. The side event was organised by the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF), in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), under the theme: “Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Food Systems and Local Economies in Africa Anchored in Sustainable Blue Economies and Agriculture.”
He highlighted the blue economy as a key opportunity for Namibia and its neighbours, emphasising the urgent need for greater regional connectivity and trade integration. He called for increased investment in transport and port infrastructure to support these goals.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to food security, rural development, and the sustainable use of ocean resources, driven by innovation and strategic collaboration.
The high-level session brought together political leaders, policymakers, and experts to promote inclusive dialogue and joint solutions for transforming Africa’s food systems and economies.
