Hemed Suleiman to open major blue economy forum as global experts converge in Zanzibar
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Hamad Bakar Hamad (left), speaks to journalists while providing a briefing on a workshop that will bring together policymakers and researchers to explore innovative ways of advancing the blue economy in Unguja, Zanzibar. On the right is the Director of Strategic Research at REPOA, Jamal Msami. PHOTO|JESSE MIKOFU.
Unguja. Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdullah, is expected to open a high-level workshop bringing together policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders from Africa and beyond.
The workshop slated for Monday, May 25, 2026, is expected to explore innovative pathways for advancing the blue economy as a driver of sustainable economic transformation.
Organised by REPOA in collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, the National Planning Commission of Tanzania and CRDB Bank, the workshop, will also bring together academics and civil society representatives from several countries.
A statement issued on Saturday, May 23, 2026, by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Hamad Bakar Hamad, said the meeting comes at a critical time as governments continue implementing development strategies aimed at economic transformation.
He said the workshop will provide a platform for learning from international experience and best practices from countries that have developed sustainable blue economy systems, including the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Seychelles, Mauritius, Namibia, Indonesia, and South Africa.
According to him, the lessons will inform discussions on ocean governance and safety, fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture, blue economy financing, and coastal resilience.
He added that participants will also explore emerging financing mechanisms in the global blue economy agenda, including blue bonds, blended finance, public-private partnerships, climate finance, and investment models supporting sustainable ocean-based activities.
The workshop will further examine how coastal and island states in Africa can leverage international cooperation and strategic partnerships to accelerate blue economy growth.
He said the aim is to produce practical recommendations that will support Tanzania’s development agenda while contributing to regional and global efforts to strengthen ocean governance and protect marine ecosystems.
REPOA Director of Strategic Research, Mr Jamal Msami, said the forum provides a platform for presenting research findings and strengthening dialogue between researchers, policymakers, implementers, and the private sector.
He noted that the blue economy contributes 11.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in mainland Tanzania and 29.6 percent in Zanzibar, while also generating significant employment opportunities.
He added that the discussions are expected to generate ideas and identify opportunities aligned to build an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
