In many African countries, agriculture and the blue economy are fundamental to sustaining local livelihoods and driving economic growth. These sectors play a crucial role in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems and local economies.

Amid growing challenges—climate change, geopolitical risks, resource fragility, and rapid demographic shifts—global attention and policy priorities around these sectors are intensifying.

This high-level session, under the theme “Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Food Systems and Local Economies in Africa: Perspectives from the Blue Economy and Agriculture,” will convene political leaders, policymakers, and practitioners across both sectors. It aims to promote inclusive dialogue and collaborative solutions, particularly by encouraging the active participation of youth and other key stakeholders in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems and economies.