- Blue Economy expert urges African governments to prioritise bankable, ESG-driven maritime projects as preparations intensify for October executive training in Ghana.
Africa’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving global maritime economy will depend on how quickly governments and businesses embrace Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and develop investment-ready Blue Economy projects, internationally recognised marine environmental governance expert, Dr Felicia Chinwe Mogo has said.
Speaking during a high-level international webinar that brought together policymakers, regulators, investors and maritime professionals from across the continent, Dr Mogo argued that while Africa possesses abundant marine resources, these alone will not guarantee economic transformation without credible governance frameworks, commercially viable projects and stronger collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
“Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks are no longer optional; they are becoming the language of investment,” she said, warning that countries and businesses that fail to integrate ESG into maritime development strategies risk falling behind in the emerging global Blue Economy.
Her keynote address formed part of a strategic webinar series leading to the Executive Management Training Workshop on ‘Navigating the Future of Maritime Sustainability for African Development,’ scheduled for October 14–16, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. The series is designed to equip African decision-makers with the practical knowledge required to accelerate sustainable maritime development across the continent.
Dr Mogo stressed that the Blue Economy should be viewed not as a collection of isolated maritime sectors, but as an integrated development platform that connects environmental stewardship, investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth. According to her, investors are increasingly directing capital towards projects that demonstrate sound governance, environmental responsibility and measurable social impact, making ESG integration essential for attracting finance into ports, shipping, fisheries, marine tourism and coastal infrastructure.
She also called on African governments to move beyond fragmented infrastructure investments and adopt integrated business models capable of generating multiple revenue streams, creating quality jobs and attracting long-term private capital.
Citing countries such as Seychelles and Indonesia, Dr Mogo noted that strong governance, strategic planning and ESG-aligned financing have enabled nations to secure innovative funding mechanisms, including Blue Bonds, while strengthening ocean resilience and economic competitiveness. Africa, she said, has similar potential but must improve project preparation, institutional coordination and investment readiness to unlock it.
Opening the webinar, Professor Chidi Magnus Onuoha, a United Nations-accredited expert on climate change and green economics, described the Blue Economy as one of Africa’s greatest opportunities for sustainable economic transformation. He said the continent’s vast marine resources could drive industrial development, employment and inclusive growth if managed responsibly.
The webinar marked the second phase of a broader strategic dialogue on Green Maritime development. While the inaugural session, led by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, established Green Maritime as a strategic business imperative, the latest engagement shifted attention to the governance, financing and institutional frameworks required to convert sustainability ambitions into commercially viable investment opportunities.
A key outcome of the discussions was the proposal to dedicate part of the October executive workshop to helping participants develop bankable Blue Economy projects capable of attracting investors and development finance. Organisers said attendees will work with an international consortium of experts to identify viable opportunities, strengthen ESG integration, develop financing strategies and refine implementation frameworks, while governments, businesses and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present live projects for technical review and strategic guidance.
Closing the webinar, moderator and convener Sam Nwosu said the initiative had been deliberately designed to move participants from strategic thinking to practical implementation.
“The webinar series has been intentionally designed as a strategic learning journey,” he said. “By October, participants will move beyond theory to practical project development—equipped with the tools, expert guidance and strategic partnerships needed to structure bankable projects, mobilise investment and deliver measurable impact.”
Participants described the session as a timely intervention that reinforced the importance of innovation, institutional capacity and cross-sector partnerships in positioning Africa’s maritime sector for sustainable growth. Organisers said the October training is expected to convene policymakers, regulators, development finance institutions, investors, academics and private sector leaders from across Africa for executive-level sessions focused on translating ideas into investable projects
