Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed that Africa’s maritime resources could rake in over $405 billion for the continent by 2030.
He made this disclosure during the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium in Cape Town, South Africa, which is at aimed at maintaining order in Africa’s maritime sector.
According to Ogalla, the continent’s coastal tourism could contribute an additional $100 million and create over 57 million jobs.
He opined that the resources should be properly managed economic growth and food security.
Ogalla stressed that Africa’s maritime future, guided by the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), is expected to boost intra-African trade and demand for maritime transport.
He furthered that maritime activities account for over 20% of revenue for some African countries, despite the region battling with non-traditional threats that challenge stability.
He urged African navies and coast guards to beef up security across the continent.
Ogalla also pointed out Nigeria’s efforts in fighting maritime crime, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, through its Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy.
This approach led to Nigeria’s removal from the list of piracy-prone countries in 2022.
He concluded that securing Africa’s maritime borders is vital for regional stability, economic growth, and food security.
The symposium fostered new opportunities for collective maritime security and cooperation among African nations.