The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) was appointed by the Institute of Security Studies, to prepare report and policy brief on the impact of climate change on Africa’s Blue Economy. 

This report examines the state of Africa’s blue economy, highlighting its vast potential alongside the growing pressures affecting the continent’s marine and freshwater resources in a changing climate. The blue economy, understood as the sustainable use of ocean and aquatic resources to drive economic growth while protecting ecological integrity, remains central to Africa’s long-term development vision under Agenda 2063. Yet these resources are increasingly strained by overexploitation, pollution, habitat loss, and climate-related impacts such as sea-level rise, acidifying oceans, and shifting marine ecosystems. Together, these threats pose serious risks to food security, livelihoods, and the resilience of coastal communities. 

Authored by specialists with  experience in African ocean governance and climate resilience, Judy Beaumont, Director of IOI-SA and a leader in environmental sustainability and coastal management; Shannon Hampton, a marine biologist with extensive expertise in governance frameworks across Africa; and David Willima, a maritime researcher with the Climate Risk and Human Security Project at the Institute for Security Studies—the report brings a multidisciplinary perspective to this complex landscape. 

It evaluates emerging opportunities in areas such as offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, sustainable fisheries, and blue carbon ecosystems, while also identifying persistent gaps that require urgent action. The authors outline strategic pathways for strengthening regional cooperation, advancing ecosystem-based management, improving climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting inclusive, transparent governance. These recommendations aim to support African nations in unlocking the full potential of their blue economies while enhancing climate resilience and progressing toward sustainable development goals.