twitter Facebook Linkedin acp Contact Us

‘Somalia is ready for a sustainable blue economy’

Somalia potentially stands to gain the most from a robust and sustainable blue economy. (Image source: United Nations Photo/Flickr)

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, president of Somalia, said his country could benefit the most from a robust and sustainable blue economy

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo spoke at the Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi at the invitation of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to harness the enormous potential of the blue economy while conserving water for future generations.

He said the country, with a coastline of more than 3,300 km and an upwind zone, offers endless potential for ocean-based industries and investments.

Farmajo voiced, “We have an abundance of untapped reserves, from fisheries and marine resources to offshore oil and gas, and various minerals resources. My administration recognises that this largely unexploited resource-based can have transformative outcomes in addressing poverty, food insecurity, water shortages, energy needs, and unemployment challenges.”

“We are therefore developing a comprehensive strategy to tap and harness the full potential of sea-based economy in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he further added.

He stated that the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Affairs fosters the promotion of partnerships for the development and modernisation of geostrategic ports, shipping, the seafood industry, aquaculture, desalination and mineral development.

Farmajo pointed out that sustainable development is an inseparable link between peace and security, and long conflicts have had a negative impact on the growth and development of Somalia's marine resources.

He went on to address illegal activities along the country’s coastlines such as unsanctioned exploitation of marine resources by foreign fishing fleets; illegal charcoal trade to foreign markets; and dumping of toxic waste, which have become some of the most serious environmental challenges affecting the Somali coast.

“I hope one of the momentous outcomes of this historic conference would be a strong commitment to cooperate on controlling all illegal offshore activities. We believe, with transparency and enhanced cooperation, and advances in technology and satellite capabilities, we should be able to curb these activities,” he noted.

Somalia, according to its president, is strengthening its governance by heightening security cooperation for stability, including safe oceans and seas, and enhancing resilience to mitigate the harsh effects of climate change, and continuing droughts.

“I take this opportunity to commit that Somalia is ready for suitable and sustainable partnerships and investments to tap into our rich marine resources,” he concluded.

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Evolving concept of energy security must address energy demand, system flexibility, technology access and infrastructure development, says IRENA. (Image source: IRENA)

World Bank & African Development Bank partner to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, leveraging public-private investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)

At WFES, Gotion High-tech will showcase its latest products and leading green energy solutions at its booth. (Image source: Gotion High-tech)

The new Perkins 5012 is a full-authority electronic engine optimised and purpose-built for power generation applications. (Image source: Perkins)

SSAB will begin deliveries of the new products in 2026.

The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Through the innovative solution, each vessel can fill two tank containers on average between two ports. (Image source: Maersk)

Hyphen is developing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, most advanced and only fully-vertical integrated green hydrogen project. (Image source: Hyphen)

According to Liebherr, the Used Equipment Marketplace is extremely user-friendly. (Image source: Liebherr)

Electricity storage will be pivotal in unlocking renewable projects and meeting energy demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With RFID, assets can be given unique digital identities that enable users to identify and locate them all at once, from a distance, in real time. (Image source: Brady)

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State. (Image source: Africa Data Centres)

A Cat PM310 Cold Planer in action. (Image source: Caterpillar)

A larger stockholding of WEG products facilitates ready access for customers. (Image source: WEG Africa)