The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs in partnership with the European Union (EU) have held a press briefing on the upcoming Blue Invest Africa Conference 2024 which aims to provide a sustainable and an enabling environment for investors in the country.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya confirmed that the 2nd Blue Invest Africa Conference will take place at Diani Diamonds Leisure Lodge and revealed that a total of 500 registrations have been received from Africa, Europe and Local investors.
Mvurya noted that 90 percent of the Blue economy activities occurred in the Indian Ocean adding that the blue economy does not only involve fisheries but also Biotechnology, Biodiversity and small ports development among others.
The CS disclosed that 29 investment projects have been registered for the conference and 12 micro small medium enterprises will be doing exhibitions as he assured that the Ministry is committed to continue partnering with the EU to provide an enabling environment to make sure investments are sustainable and encouraged in the country.
On his part, Principal Secretary (PS) for Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi announced that the Blue Invest Africa Forum will be held on 3rd and 4th July 2024 at Diani, to bring investors, innovators and professionals within the blue space to explore opportunities.
“The Blue Invest event will be attended by investors and all people across Africa and specifically Kenya who are looking for an opportunity to invest and stay ahead within the blue space,” stated Njagi.
She said that the event will offer invaluable learning and networking opportunities, prospects and exposure to ground breaking various developments within the sector and is expected to give a spotlight on transformative products within the blue economy for a sustainable future driven by a shared vision that will benefit the ecosystem and the environment.
“Additionally, the driven blue economy will benefit the livelihoods while offering an avenue for forging strategic alliances, exchange of knowledge and propelling the blue economy to a new front,” added Njagi.
The PS highlighted that the strategic partnership and collaboration from the forum will enhance financing in the blue economy space, build capabilities, strengthen skills and generate ideas for adopting technologies that will offer a comprehensive platform towards a sustainable blue economy.
At the same time, the EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger observed that the event will not only leave tangible results in Kenya but all over Africa.
She noted that the hospitality and tourism industry was the biggest job creator in Kenya, terming the country as privileged to have a coastline where the ocean itself is unlimited hence the need for the continent to work together in order to exploit the opportunities.
“EU is in the blue space economy, there is so much unused potential not only for Kenya but for the whole East Africa region and Africa. The idea is to bring together people who have recognized and identified concrete opportunities in the space,” she remarked.
Geiger said the EU has a gold blue project in the coast region to look into a whole blue economy space in an integrated way and works with local governments and counties to have a coherent approach.
She said that they are helping the Ministry with the blue economy strategy not only for the ocean but also for Lake Victoria and other Inland Waters where the blue space has opportunities.
By Sharon Atieno
