The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has commenced discussions with the University of Bamenda to advance Blue Economy research and youth capacity building.

The engagement, held In Bamenda on Tuesday, is part of efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote sustainable Blue Economy development in Cameroon’s North West Region.

The meeting was led by Capt. Patrice Lumumba, ABER Regional Facilitator for the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)/Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).

Others at the meeting included Senior Barr. Nana Suh Wilson, Principal Partner, NANA & Associates Law Firm, and Junior Barr. Kwenji Neville of the same firm.

The stakeholders resolved to formalise collaboration with the University of Bamenda in Blue Economy research, policy dialogue and youth capacity development.

The proposed partnership will also support the establishment of Blue Clubs in schools across the North West Region.

The Blue Clubs are expected to promote awareness of sustainable management and utilisation of Africa’s oceans, rivers, lakes and other waterways.

Barristers Nana Suh Wilson and Kwenji Neville also agreed to serve as legal resource persons on ABER’s continental networking platforms.

In addition, Senior Barr. Nana Suh Wilson accepted to serve as ABER Regional Coordinator for Cameroon’s North West Region.

In his new role, Wilson will coordinate stakeholder mobilisation, provide legal advocacy and facilitate ABER programmes across the region.

The stakeholders expressed support for ABER’s initiative and pledged to promote sustainable utilisation of Africa’s aquatic resources.

Speaking after the meeting, Capt. Lumumba commended the legal team for its warm reception and commitment to the Blue Economy agenda.

He described the engagement as a significant step towards strengthening and localising the Blue Economy conversation in Cameroon’s North West Region.

ABER, a flagship initiative of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI), seeks to build a voluntary, continent-wide network of Blue Economy experts and stakeholders.

The Initiative aims to support Africa’s transition from resource extraction to value creation across its oceans, rivers and lakes.

It also seeks to promote sustainable economic opportunities that can enhance prosperity, livelihoods and the wellbeing of Africans.