Browsing: Blue Economy

• Kenya is pioneering steps towards integrating the concept of the Blue Economy within its governance structure
• Blue Economy has the potential to create direct jobs in the shipping and fishing sectors while indirectly creating jobs
• According to Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the industry regulator, Kenya exploits just 8 per cent of the potential of its marine fisheries.

Kenya’s marine potential is vital for social and economic growth and development of the country. Kenya is pioneering steps towards integrating the concept of the Blue Economy within its governance structure have set a precedent for sustainable development in the African continent. With the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy, the nation has showcased its commitment to harnessing the vast potential of its marine resources. This move signifies a crucial shift in prioritising the preservation and utilisation of the ocean’s bounty, in line with global sustainability goals.

Kenya has a long coastline …

• Three Kenyan startups have been selected for an incubation programme after winning the Cyber Security Hackathon at the just concluded Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit. 
• The three startups, which are based in Mombasa include Bio Secure, Tide Safetynet and Seatrust Navigator. 
• Sote Hub Founder David Ogiga says the three startups will receive six months technical and financial support to bring their ideas to life. 

Three Kenyan startups have been selected for an incubation program after winning the Cyber Security Hackathon at the recently concluded Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit. The startups, based in Mombasa, include Bio Secure, Tide Safetynet, and Seatrust Navigator. Sote Hub Founder David Ogiga stated that these three startups would receive six months of technical and financial support to bring their ideas to life.

“Our focus for this year’s hackathon at the conference was circular economy, cyber security, blue economy, climate change, and the digital …

• Zanzibar has entered into a deal with Belgium to attract more tourists to the East African coastal Island.
• The number of tourist arrivals in Tanzania is projected to increase in 2023. The country saw 62.7 per cent jump in new arrivals between January and July last year.
• Tanzania received a total of 100,600 tourists from USA in 2022 followed closely by France that was the source of 100,371 holidaymakers.

Zanzibar’s tourism development initiative under its Blue Economy agenda is starting to pay dividend with the isles setting its sights on attracting tourists from Belgium.

Isle’s President Hussein Mwinyi recently met with Belgium’s Ambassador to Tanzania Peter Huyghebaert, and  unveiled ongoing improvement of infrastructure in Zanzibar to improve tourists’ experience.

President Mwinyi cited infrastructure improvements such as airports and roads, access to power and water as well as the construction of new hotels by the private sector.

“We have been working …

• Zanzibar President Mwinyi signs Zanzibar Sustainable Tourism Declaration
• Greener Zanzibar Tourism Strategy to boost island’s blue economy
• World Bank urges Zanzibar to increase local content in tourism

Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein A. Mwinyi has pledged to ensure a greener and more sustainable approach to tourism in Zanzibar following the signing of the Zanzibar Sustainable Tourism Declaration.

The declaration recognizes and commits Zanzibar to uphold global sustainable tourism standards as adopted by international institutions and world leaders. As part of the island’s Greener Zanzibar Tourism Strategy, the declaration sets Zanzibar on a path to embed sustainable strategies as part of its tourism growth plan.

President Mwinyi signed the declaration at the first Zanzibar Tourism Investment and Travel Exhibition (ZTITE) held on the island in February where he was the guest of honour.

The three-day event was held from the 9th to the 11th by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT)  under …

• The Canadian government through Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is offering close to  $10 million in grant funding to support Kenyan women led businesses in the blue economy sector . 
• The businesses have until the 20th of January to apply for the grant that is aimed at supporting  women’s economic participation in the non-traditional sectors of the blue economy.
• Counties of focus include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay and Migori. 

The Canadian government through Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is offering close to  $10 million in grant funding to support Kenyan women led businesses in the blue economy sector. 

Kenyan women-led businesses have until the 20th of January 2023 to apply for the grant that is aimed at  supporting women’s economic participation in the non-traditional sectors of the blue economy.

The sectors targeted include fisheries, waste management, biodiversity protection, agriculture, forestry, as well …

As a high-risk area, Kenya was paying billions to shipping lines for insurance of their goods.

But there is a break. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has removed the Indian Ocean from the list of High-Risk Areas (HRA) giving a major boost to trade for Kenya and the wider Eastern African region.

The decision was communicated during the 106th session of the Maritime Safety Committee at the International Maritime Organization in London. This is the UN agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, by the Best Management Practice (BMP-5). It consists of the five largest global shipping industry associations.

BMP-5 looks to deter piracy and enhance maritime security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.…

Data by the bloc reveals that the sector provides livelihoods for about 80 per cent of the region’s workers, and accounts for about 65 per cent of foreign exchange earnings.

The continent, which COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe said last month has the potential to feed its self and export to the rest of the world, has remained a net food importer for the last 15 years.…