World Ocean Day 2026: Africa Blue Economy Roundtable Calls for ‘Reimagined’ Relationship with Our Ocean
The Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, ABER, and Publisher of Blue Economy Newsmagazine, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo has urged Africa’s 38 coastal and 16 landlocked states to embrace sustainable fisheries, clean ports, and community-led stewardship,
emphasising the urgent need for African states to reimagine their relationship with the ocean in alignment with World Ocean Day 2026.
Observed globally every June 8, this year’s theme is “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean.”
According to Dr. Kiyaramo, the theme is a direct call to action for Africa: “For Africa’s coastal communities, reimagining means sustainable fisheries, clean ports, protected mangroves, and local stewardship. Africa’s blue future starts when fishers, youth, and women lead.”
“Today, June 8, the world marks World Ocean Day 2026. On behalf of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, I call on Africa’s 38 coastal and 16 landlocked states to embrace this call to reimagine. The ocean feeds us, cools our climate, and drives our economy. Beyond the world we know, a new ocean relationship begins today.”
He said Africa must make three shifts Africa: Reimagine livelihoods, reimagine the ocean as critical infrastructure and reimagine governance and inclusion, informing that millions across Lagos, Dakar, Mombasa, Tema, Lüderitz and countless fishing towns depend on the ocean for food and income.
“We must move beyond depletion to sustainable fisheries, post-harvest value addition, and community-led Marine Protected Areas. Strong MPAs are central to the 2026 campaign. When coastal fishers become guardians, the ocean regenerates, and prosperity lasts.
“The ocean absorbs over 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases and generates 50-80% of Earth’s oxygen through phytoplankton. For Africa, this means investing in blue carbon like mangroves, clean ports such as Apapa, renewable marine energy, and waste management. A healthy ocean is Africa’s climate shield.
“With the BBNJ Agreement now in force since January 17, 2026, the era of leaving ocean decisions to a few is over. Women fish processors, youth innovators, and local communities must sit at the table. The new relationship we need is one of respect, science, and shared stewardship,” Dr. Kiyaramo emphasized.
He argued that maritime security and blue economy sustainability are one agenda, pointing out that from the Gulf of Guinea to the Western Indian Ocean, the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Africa’s blue future depends on the choices we make today.
“As the theme urges: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean begins with us. Africa is One Blue Island,” he concluded.
