IGAD reaffirms backing for execution of Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy

Addis Ababa, July 9, 2024 (FBC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced that it will provide the necessary support for the implementation of Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced its intention to offer the necessary support for the implementation of Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy.

To empower its member states with the required expertise to thoroughly assess the socio-economic and ecological dimensions of the Blue Economy, IGAD, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, hosted a three-day training session in Addis Ababa centered on the Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit (BEVTK).

During the event, the Ethiopian National Blue Economy Strategy Action Plan was examined in the presence of relevant stakeholders.

It was indicated that this initiative seeks to bolster the knowledge base and capacity of attendees.

The Blue Economy is described as a development sector that focuses on the growth of Ethiopia’s economy by integrating economic activities on water bodies under a unified strategy.

IGAD’s Sustainable Environment Protection Programme Manager, Eshete Dejene, stated that endeavors are underway to facilitate IGAD member states’ utilization of their resources in the blue economy sector.

He noted that Ethiopia has already formulated and ratified a national blue economy strategy and is actively pursuing various initiatives for the strategy’s implementation.

Eshete further confirmed that IGAD will offer the required support for the execution of Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy.

Abdulber Shemsu, Director General of the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, emphasized that the Blue Economy Strategy will empower Ethiopia to effectively harness ocean, lake, sea, and other related resources. He highlighted that Ethiopia possesses untapped potential in the sector and expressed the Authority’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to exploit these water resources in a responsible manner.

Captain Getnet Abay, CEO of the Authority’s Maritime Administration, revealed that institutions related to the sector have been identified for training in the execution of the Blue Economy Strategy.

Abdulber Shemsu further stated that his office will work collaboratively to establish conducive conditions for the execution of the Blue Economy Strategy in each institution.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) confirmed its closely collaborating and cooperatively working with stakeholders to bring about the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy.