The Inaugural Africa Blue Economy Forum(ABEF)premiers in London from 7-8 June 2018.Blue economy being part of an integral part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,this forum could not have come at a better time.

Some of the issue to be discussed according to Leila Ben Hassen, founder of ABEF 2018 and CEO of the event’s organizer, Blue Jay Communication, said: “At ABEF 2018, we will discuss crucial issues, such as how the blue economy can help create jobs and accelerate sustainable growth and development across the continent.

The ABEF forum which is set to coincide with World Oceans Day,and according to Paul Holthus, President and CEO of World Ocean Council, an official partner of ABEF Says “ABEF 2018 is a key gathering for raising awareness and developing the network around the African ocean economy and especially the sustainable development and related business opportunities that Africa has to offer.”

Some  Confirmed speakers at ABEF 2018 include representatives from: UN Environment, World Trade Organization, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Gabon, Republic of Cameroon, Republic of Seychelles, World Ocean Council, WWF, Ghanaian Center for Maritime Law and Security, One Earth Future Foundation, PWC, MAST Security, Resolute Marine Energy, The Global Ocean Trust Grid Arendal, and Sea Shepherd.

The blue economy covers aquatic and marine spaces, including oceans, seas, coasts, lakes, rivers and groundwater. It includes a wide range of productive sectors, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, transport, commerce and trade, shipbuilding, energy, protection and restoration. The blue economy also encapsulates extractive industries, for example underwater mining, provided they are undertaken in a manner that does not cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem.