Harnessing Youth Innovation: The Role of Africa and Europe’s Young leaders in driving Ocean Governance and Blue Economy

Download the report: An Africa-Europe Youth Mapping Report on Ocean Governance and Blue Economy

Youth play a vital role in shaping ocean governance and the blue economy. As such, the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) underscores the urgent need to invest in their agency and prioritise their leadership. However, a comprehensive understanding of the existing ecosystem is needed to foster collaboration and establish impactful cross-continental initiatives.

Young people from Africa and Europe actively participate in global efforts related to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and pollution management through avenues such as academia, activism, entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy. Central to their efforts is a dynamic process of acquiring, creating, and sharing knowledge about environmental protection and regeneration within their communities and on national, regional, and global platforms.

In Africa, youth comprise over 60% of the continent’s population and drive innovation and sustainability in ocean governance and the blue economy. With the global blue economy valued at approximately $1.5 trillion annually, Africa’s vast and largely untapped aquatic resources offer immense economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability opportunities.

Youth involvement in Africa’s blue economy is growing, with many young people and organizations leading initiatives that combine innovative approaches with community-driven solutions. The fisheries and aquaculture sector, a cornerstone of the African blue economy, employs over 12 million people across the continent, with a significant proportion of these jobs held by young individuals.

On the other hand, according to the European Commission’s Blue Economy Report, youth-led organizations across Europe are increasingly prominently promoting the blue economy and ocean governance. In recent years, there has been significant growth in youth engagement within these initiatives. Younger workers represent approximately 17% of jobs in the blue economy sector, highlighting their growing interest and involvement in ocean-related industries.

Despite this, there remains significant room for improvement in supporting youth-led organisations. A study by the European Youth Forum highlights the development of digital platforms and one-stop shops as valuable resources for young people to access training, mentoring, and job opportunities in the blue economy sectors. This indicates that, while progress has been made, more comprehensive support systems are needed to fully harness youth engagement's potential.

Youth-led organizations are focused on employment and actively engaged in policy development and advocacy for sustainable ocean practices. The United Nations Environment Programme has noted a growing recognition of the importance of incorporating the perspectives of younger generations in co-created policies to ensure that the interests of future generations are considered. Although data on the number of youth-led organizations dedicated to the blue economy and ocean governance in Europe is limited, current trends indicate an upward trajectory.

This report aims to serve as a living document, providing a first attempt at mapping various youth-led blue innovation initiatives, platforms and profiles across Africa and Europe. It advocates for empowering African and European youth to drive ocean and climate action, intending to support the development of a cross-continental network of young leaders and establish an Africa-Europe Youth Ambassador Program focused on ocean governance and the blue economy.

Additionally, the report seeks to raise awareness of current challenges faced, enhance ocean literacy, and cultivate a youth-centered Africa-Europe Ocean community while strengthening the partnership between the two continents and highlights the increasing engagement of youth in the sustainable management of ocean resources, fostering economic growth while safeguarding marine ecosystems.