World Bank Report: Blue Economy Offers Opportunities for Sustainable Growth in Tunisia – African Business

In June 2022, Tunisia published its first report on the state of the blue economy with the support of the World Bank. The report, titled in French “L’économie bleue en Tunisie: Opportunité pour un développement intégré et durable de la mer et des zones côtières” (The Blue Economy in Tunisia: An Opportunity for Integrated and Sustainable Development of the Sea and Coastal Areas(), provides guidelines for a national strategy. The report was developed by the Secretariat General of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment.

Tunisia boasts more that 1,300 km of coastline. 7.6 million people live in the coastal areas of Tunisia, which is more than 66% population. They rely heavily on the marine and coastal resources for their livelihoods. The report provides information on sustainable development of the blue economic through tourism, fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport and ocean-based renewable energies, marine biotechnology and other activities.

“The blue economy is a way for Tunisia to develop and create wealth through sustainable use marine and coastal resources. This will allow for economic growth, better livelihoods, and healthy marine ecosystems.,” said Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Country Manager for Tunisia. “I welcome the Government’s commitment to developing the blue economy in Tunisia as part of its next development plan,” he added.

The report identifies three strategic goals: (i) promotion economic growth of maritime activities; (ii) social integration and gender equality; and (iii). sustainability of natural resources as well as ecosystem services. Five areas of intervention were proposed to achieve these goals: establishment of institutional governance; promotion and financing of resources; support for job creation, poverty relief, the inclusion and mainstreaming of women; development of knowledge on marine and coastal capital; strengthening resilience to climate changes.

The publication of this report will see the continuation of cooperation between the World Bank and the Tunisian government for the development the blue economy in Tunisia. The World Bank has mobilized PROBLUE Trust Fund to carry out the second phase of technical support, which will support a roadmap for Tunisia’s development of the blue-economy. The Bank will support strategic and operational dialogue between relevant stakeholders as part of the second phase of assistance to Tunisia.

World Bank Blue Economy Financing Program For African Countries

This report on Tunisia’s blue economy comes as the World Bank Group just announced a new $13.5million blue economy program. It will provide financing and operational solutions to development problems in coastal and marine areas across Africa, including Tunisia. The program addresses the challenges that coastal countries face in managing their marine and coastal resources to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and adapt to the effects of climate.

Distributed by APO Group, on behalf of The World Bank Group.