AU-IBAR U-IBAR Champions Youth at the Forum of Young Africans on the Blue Economy

Toliara, Madagascar – 17 to 19 April 2025

The second iteration of the Forum of Young Africans on the Blue Economy (FOJAEB), which was held in Toliara, Madagascar, was proudly attended by the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). Mr. Rafik Nouaili, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Expert under the FishGov2 Project, represented AU-IBAR in its ongoing dedication to enabling Africa's youth to spearhead the sustainable development of the continent's blue economy.

This event expanded upon the impetus of the inaugural edition, drawing more than 1,000 attendees in person and virtually. Youth leaders, private sector actors, technical experts, policymakers, and international organisations convened to investigate innovative solutions and establish a blueprint for a blue economy that is both resilient and prosperous in Africa.

Strengthening the Youth Movement for a Sustainable Blue Economy
Operating under the theme "Sustainable Blue Economy: Ownership, Innovation, and Performance for Africa’s Renaissance," FOJAEB 2025 emphasized the need for young Africans to drive transformational change. It highlighted the critical role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific knowledge in unlocking the vast potential of Africa’s aquatic and marine resources.
During the event, Mr. Nouaili contributed actively as a panelist and technical expert. He participated in high-level discussions, engaged with youth-led organizations, and showcased AU-IBAR’s ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries, aquaculture development, aquatic animal health, and livelihoods improvement. His interventions also underscored the Bureau’s role in promoting ecosystem resilience and integrating youth-driven priorities into continental policy frameworks.

Throughout the discussions, AU-IBAR’s strategic focus on supporting the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and advancing Agenda 2063 was clearly reflected. Mr. Nouaili also emphasized the importance of forging stronger partnerships between AU institutions, regional bodies, and youth networks like FOJAEB, ensuring that young Africans are not only included but are central to the blue economy’s growth.
Highlights from Toliara

The forum opened with inspiring messages from government leaders and international partners. Distinguished speakers such as Dr. Paubert Mahatante, Madagascar’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and Mr. Ernest Tindo, President of the Pan-African Youth Organization for the Blue Economy, set the tone for the deliberations.

Key partners from the World Ocean Council, African Development Bank, International Labour Organization, FAO, UNDP, UNECA, and the African Union Commission also lent their voices to the call for greater youth engagement. A special message from the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, H.E. Arsenio Dominguez, encouraged youth to lead efforts in promoting safer and greener maritime transport.
Discussions throughout the three days explored Africa’s immense blue economy potential, stressed the importance of effective governance and regional cooperation, and called for investments in youth-led innovations to address challenges such as illegal migration and marine resource management.

Moving Forward: Key Outcomes and Commitments
The forum produced several important outcomes that will guide future actions. Among them was a strong call to formally integrate FOJAEB’s recommendations into African Union frameworks, such as the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and the African Youth Charter.
There was also a clear recognition of the need to establish mechanisms for meaningful youth participation in blue economy policy-making, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Participants recommended formalizing partnerships between AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD, and FOJAEB to provide technical support, capacity building, and policy advocacy for youth-led initiatives.

Plans are also underway to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation framework that would help track the implementation and impact of youth projects, ensuring alignment with the broader targets of Agenda 2063. By continuing to encourage innovation, create capacity, and deepen relationships, AU-IBAR is happy to stand alongside the next generation of African changemakers creating the future of the Blue Economy. Participation at FOJAEB 2025 not only reaffirmed AU-IBAR's sector leadership, but also fuelled the momentum for a truly inclusive, sustainable, and youth-driven blue economy in Africa.