The Blue Economy in African Nations

The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in August 2025 was a forum for dialogue between African nations and the Japanese government.
The “Blue Economy” concept which aims to enhance both economic growth and sustainability, was officially recognized and discussed.
Of Africa’s 54 countries, 34 have coastal or island regions. These extend over 30,000 kilometers, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through fishing and aquaculture, and serving as a major source of dietary protein.
The current pace of population growth projects the continent of Africa to account for one fourth of the world’s total population in the near future. Its oceans and marine resources hold vast potential for enhancing food security, employment, and regional industries.
However, aquaculture in African nations faces numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, climate change, overfishing, illegal operations, and delays in modernization, which all play a part in declining production.
The contrasting “Hopes for the sea” and “Concerns about the sea” highlight the urgency and importance of Africa’s Blue Economy.

This program features highlights from interviews with three guests: the former president of Tanzania, a country with strong economic growth; the former president of Cabo Verde, an island nation in West Africa; and a university administrator from South Africa, the only African country to become a member of the G20, where high youth unemployment remains a serious issue.
Many African nations share a common feature with Japan.
Small-scale, often family-run fishing operations form the backbone of their fisheries.
In the studio, Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation explores how Japan, as a fellow maritime nation, can work together with African countries to advance the Blue Economy.