The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has revealed that Africa’s maritime resources hold the potential to generate over $405 billion by 2030. He made this announcement during the keynote address at the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium, themed “Good Order at Sea in the African Maritime Domain,” held in Cape Town, South Africa.
According to the statement from the Director of Navy Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Ogalla highlighted that the continent could also generate $100 million from coastal tourism, which has the potential to create over 57 million jobs across Africa.
Emphasizing the need for sustainable management of these resources, Ogalla stated that such initiatives are vital for driving economic growth and enhancing food security on the continent. He articulated that the future of Africa’s maritime sector is being shaped by the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), aimed at promoting wealth creation through the development of a secure ocean economy.
Ogalla also noted the potential impact of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is expected to increase intra-African freight by 28% and demand for maritime transport by 62%. He pointed out that with a significant portion of global trade traversing African waters, maritime activities contribute over 20% of national revenues in some African nations.
However, Ogalla cautioned that the riches within these waters, combined with intense economic activities, expose the maritime domain to various non-traditional threats, which pose significant challenges to regional stability. He called on African navies and coast guards to unite in strengthening security architecture across the continent to address these challenges.
The Naval chief affirmed Nigeria’s role as a pivotal player in combating maritime crime, particularly considering its vast maritime domain, including the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the Nigerian Navy is implementing a Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, which includes a “Trinity-of-Action” approach that focuses on surveillance, rapid response, and law enforcement.
These strategies have been instrumental in removing Nigeria from the list of piracy-prone countries since March 2022, a status the country has successfully maintained. Ogalla emphasized the benefits of maritime security cooperation, stating that securing African waters could enhance trade, boost tourism, and drive economic growth.
He urged African navies to take decisive action against oil spills, waste dumping, and unsustainable fisheries management to ensure long-term food security. “Ultimately, the security of our maritime borders is essential for regional stability and the achievement of our national objectives,” he concluded.
The 5th Sea Power Symposium for Africa has opened new avenues for collaborative efforts in protecting and utilizing marine resources, marking Nigeria’s participation as particularly significant.
