Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation’s inaugural Senior Coordinator, praised the Nigerian government for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying it was the right step toward realizing the benefits of the partnership.
During a round table with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the diplomat said the Atlantic was the world’s most travelled ocean, adding that the potential for economic gains through the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation was enormous.
The new multi-lateral forum, launched on September 18, brings together several coastal Atlantic countries, including Nigeria, from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
While noting that Nigeria is a leader in the ocean space, Lapenn stated that she was in the country to discuss how to maximize the partnership with Nigerian officials.
“This is my first trip since the launch, and I said I must come to Nigeria as soon as we launch the partnership. Much of my trip was spent meeting with the new minister of the blue economy.
“He joined Secretary Blinken in New York for the launch of the partnership…and now I have come to see him to hear his vision for this new ministry, what’s Nigeria’s vision for a blue economy, and how do we put those pieces together?”
She also stated that she wishes to see advancements in science, technology, and the blue economy in Nigeria.
The partnership is the first organization to span the North and South Atlantic, addressing issues ranging from economic development to environmental protection to science and technology.
Previously the United States’ Ambassador to the African Union (AU) and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa, Lapenn stated that the 32 countries coming together would help them tap the Atlantic’s potential.
The World Bank estimates that the ocean contributes $1.5 trillion to the global economy annually, expected to double by 2030.
Furthermore, sustainable ocean economy sectors are estimated to generate nearly 50 million jobs in Africa and contribute $21 billion to Latin American GDP.
