Libya takes a major step towards a national blue economy strategy with African Union support

A National Stakeholders Consultation and Validation workshop for the National Blue Economy Strategy in Libya has been held under the auspices of the African Union from May 13-15, 2024 in Mombasa, Kenya.

Many ministries incl transport and maritime transport, tourism, economy and trade, the oil sector, the Libyan Ports Authority, the General Secretariat, the National Aquaculture Project in Libya, and other sector representatives, participated in this workshop dedicated to the blue economy in Libya.

The workshop was rich with lecturers and many experts from different countries of the world. Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy) and Matteo Bocci (WestMED and EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism central team) also participated and shared valuable information on the sustainable blue economy in Africa with a focus on Libya.

Ali Shagrune (Libyan National Coordinator and member of the WestMED Steering Committee) and Masauda Abuarosha (WestMED Centre Libya) both were pivotal for the success of this event.

This workshop is part of an initiative by the African Union aimed at supporting a number of member states in Africa to develop blue economy strategies. This is made possible with funding by the Kingdom of Norway.

Outcomes of the group discussions

Group 1: Draft Strategy

Group 2: Draft Implementation Plan

Group 3: Draft Governance Coordination Mechanism

(for details see report below)

Next steps

The Outline of the National Blue Economy Strategy will be disseminated to all key stakeholders present and not present at the consultative workshop to get broader views, gain the political goodwill, support, and ownership. The National consultant will follow-up and obtain feedback on views and opinions and incorporate into the National Blue Economy Strategy.
The Draft National Blue Economy Strategy will be finalized and validated in a physical meeting to be held in Libya.

Full report/ Communiqué

Read the full report with all outcomes and recommendations of this workshop
See agenda

WestMED and African Union cooperation

The workshop jumpstarted discussions between the WestMED and the African Union with an open invitation to cooperate by Dr Hellen Guebama from the Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) – which will be followed through – see video below

Press release on the AU-IBAR website: Blueprints for Prosperity: Libya’s Blue Economy Strategy Shaped in Mombasa