THE NEXUS BETWEEN PROSPERITY IN THE AFRICAN MARITIME DOMAIN AND MARITIME SECURITY

The document examines the nexus between the 'Blue Economy' and 'maritime security' within the African maritime domain, arguing that economic prosperity from ocean resources is dependent on the protection of marine resources, property, and life. It highlights that maritime insecurity—driven by criminal activities such as piracy, trafficking, and fisheries crime—acts as a barrier to economic growth. The author emphasizes the need for African states to move beyond contested definitions and adopt holistic national maritime strategies. A central recommendation is the ratification and implementation of the African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development (Lomé Charter) to foster regional collaboration, information sharing, and capacity building.

• The 'Blue Economy' and 'maritime security' are interdependent concepts in ocean governance; a successful Blue Economy requires the protection of marine resources and the mitigation of risks to human well-being, while maritime insecurity serves as a direct barrier to economic prosperity.
• Maritime security in Africa is threatened by a wide array of criminal activities, including piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking, drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, illegal oil bunkering, and fisheries crime.
• The African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development (Lomé Charter), adopted on 15 October 2016, is a critical instrument for securing the African maritime domain through increased collaboration, coordination, and information sharing among states.
• Lawlessness at sea in Africa is exacerbated by a lack of suitable naval assets, difficulties in prosecuting maritime crimes, and the underutilization of existing legislative powers.
• Maritime transport is a cornerstone of the Blue Economy, as 90% of cargoes and commodities are carried by sea; consequently, maritime threats have cascading negative effects on global food security, energy security, and international trade.

APA

SWANEPOEL, E. (2017). THE NEXUS BETWEEN PROSPERITY IN THE AFRICAN MARITIME DOMAIN AND MARITIME SECURITY. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Policy-Briefing-163.pdf

Chicago

SWANEPOEL, ERNESTA. THE NEXUS BETWEEN PROSPERITY IN THE AFRICAN MARITIME DOMAIN AND MARITIME SECURITY. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2017. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Policy-Briefing-163.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=SWANEPOEL |first1=ERNESTA |title=THE NEXUS BETWEEN PROSPERITY IN THE AFRICAN MARITIME DOMAIN AND MARITIME SECURITY |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=June 2017 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Policy-Briefing-163.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{swanepoel2017nexus, author = {SWANEPOEL, ERNESTA}, title = {{THE NEXUS BETWEEN PROSPERITY IN THE AFRICAN MARITIME DOMAIN AND MARITIME SECURITY}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2017}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Policy-Briefing-163.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }