‘Blue economy can contribute billions’

Published Jun 4, 2015

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Cape Town - Over R100 billion could be contributed to the South African GDP by 2033 if opportunities presented by the blue economy were properly managed, said Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa on Thursday.

“This is going to take innovation and innovative thinking,” said Molewa.

The minister was speaking as part of a panel at the 2015 World Economic Forum on Africa.

“By 2033, we predict an increase to the GDP by between R129 - 177 billion and the blue economy could see our sustainable employment goal increased from 800,000 to up to 1 million,” she said.

Molewa said her department had identified nine pillars for growth potential in the country but chose to focus on four core areas.

These were marine transport, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, and marine protection and oceans governance.

“We do not have a single ship registered in our name,” said Molewa, indicating weakness on the marine transport pillar.

Along with shipbuilding, other innovations government would focus on included forecasting weather patterns, creating early warning systems, and securing fish stocks.

Molewa added that two of the challenges preventing South Africa from reaching its blue economy potential were a lack of skills capacity and technological challenges.

Molewa said because the blue economy was a relatively new concept to South Africa, she hoped the previously disadvantaged would enter the market.

“And this is not just in a skill building capacity. We want to see the informal becoming formal and these people becoming entrepreneurs,” said Molewa.

“Whatever we do, it needs to be for the benefit of the people.”

ANA

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