A beautiful study, written by ocean specialists, all experts in a field or region. This is what the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) offers to download for free
Over 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Water is the origin of life. 50% of the world’s population live within 60 kilometers of the sea.
75% of large cities are located on the coast.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that renewable energy from the oceans could meet 400% of the current global demand for electricity.
The turnover of activities related to the world of the sea is estimated at 2,500 billion euros in 2020.
In international trade, 90% of goods are transported by sea.
Africa and the blue economy
38 out of 54 countries (70%) in Africa are coastal states. Territorial waters under African jurisdiction total some 13 million square kilometers, by comparison the continental shelf spans about 6.5 million km2.
With an area of barely 1,850 km2, Mauritius is one of the smallest countries, but its territorial waters make it a country of 1.9 million km2, the size of South Africa. In other words, with the sea there is another Africa.
In our region, it is Philippe Murcia, founder of Ocean Company Consulting, former Regional Director of the CMA CGM Group, and previously Managing Director of the Port of Ehoala for Rio Tinto QMM, now advises the ENAC Group. He is also an Expert in Maritime Economics with the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA). He was part of the collective that wrote the book “The Blue Economy in Africa : Practical Guide”.
Connections :
https://repository.uneca.org/handle/10855/23073
