ABER Appoints Cameroonian Maritime Expert, Captain Lumumba as Central Africa Regional Facilitator
By Our Correspondent – The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed renowned Cameroonian maritime expert, Captain Young Patrice Lumumba, as its Central Africa Regional Facilitator in a move aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable blue economy development across the sub-region.
The appointment was announced by the Convener of ABER and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Capt. Lumumba, who hails from Douala in the Littoral Region of the Republic of Cameroon, brings decades of experience in maritime administration, labour advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within the maritime sector.
According to the appointment notice, the new facilitator’s wealth of knowledge and commitment to promoting decent work in the maritime industry make him well-positioned to drive ABER’s vision across Central Africa.
A respected voice in maritime affairs, Capt. Lumumba previously served as President of the Joint Commission for Decent Work in the Maritime Industry in Cameroon. He is also the General Secretary of the Cameroon Seafarers Professional Trade Union, Secretary of Stella Maris, and a Maritime Consultant with extensive experience in regional maritime development initiatives.
Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Kiyaramo noted that Africa’s blue economy requires leaders who possess a deep understanding of both the maritime environment and the communities whose livelihoods depend on it.
“Capt. Lumumba’s distinguished career and unwavering advocacy for seafarers’ rights and decent work at sea make him eminently suited for this important mandate,” he said.
As Central Africa Regional Facilitator, Capt. Lumumba will spearhead ABER’s blue economy agenda across the region, foster collaboration among governments, private sector actors, and coastal communities, and champion sustainable ocean-based economic opportunities.
His responsibilities will also include promoting decent blue jobs and enterprise opportunities for youth, women, and vulnerable groups, while representing Central Africa in regional and international blue economy forums and strategic partnerships.
ABER expressed confidence that his leadership would significantly strengthen the organization’s impact in advancing sustainable ocean governance, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion throughout Central Africa.
The appointment is expected to further deepen regional cooperation and accelerate efforts to harness the vast potential of Africa’s blue economy for sustainable development.
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable continues to serve as a leading platform for dialogue, policy advocacy, and partnerships aimed at unlocking opportunities within Africa’s ocean, coastal, and inland water resources.
Capt. Lumumba’s appointment takes immediate effect.
