Naval Chief Highlights African Maritime Potentials In South Africa
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, has stressed the vast maritime potentials of Africa, saying the continent has the ability to generate over $405 billion by 2030.
Speaking at the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium, in South Africa, Ogalla noted that Africa’s maritime domain has the potential to create over 57 million jobs across the continent, with coastal tourism alone expected to generate $100 million.
In a statement by Commodore Aiwoyur ADAMS-ALIU, Director of Information on Friday.
The statement read in part: “In his keynote address the Chief of the Naval Staff outlined the vast resources within Africa’s maritime domain, underscoring its potential to generate over USD 405 billion by 2030, including USD 100 million by coastal tourism, with the capacity to create over 57 million jobs across the continent. The sustainable management of these resources is crucial, as they are key drivers of economic growth and food security.
“He emphasised that Africa’s maritime future is guided by the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), which aims to foster wealth creation by developing an ocean economy within a secured maritime domain.
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“This vision is further supported by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is projected to increase intra- African freight by 28 per cent and demand for maritime transport by 62 per cent. He also noted that with a significant portion of global trade passing through African waters, maritime activities contribute more than 20 per cent of national revenues for some African countries. However, the richness of these waters and the intense economic activities within them expose our maritime domain to a range of non-traditional threats, posing significant challenges to regional stability.
“The Chief of the Naval Staff pointed out that addressing these challenges requires a united effort, urging African navies and coast guards to strengthen security architecture across the continent. Sighting Nigeria, Vice Admiral Ogalla, said Nigeria is a key player in the fight against maritime crime with an extensive maritime domain that includes the Gulf of Guinea, with the Nigerian Navy implementation of a Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, incorporating a “Trinity-of-Action” approach that combines surveillance, rapid response and law enforcement which has removed Nigeria from the list of piracy-prone countries in March 2022, a status the country has maintained.
“In conclusion, the Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted the border incentives for maritime security cooperation, nothing that securing African waters would facilitate increased trade, attract tourism and foster economic growth and prosperity.
“From an environmental perspective, he said African navies must take decisive action to prevent oil spills, reduce waste dumping, and ensure sustainable fisheries management to secure long-term food security. Ultimately, the security of our maritime borders is essential for regional stability and the achievement of our national objectives. The 5th Seapower Symposium for Africa opened new frontiers for effective protection and use of the sea via collective agenda by African states and Nigeria’s participation was highly significant.” the statemen read.
