Staff Reporter
A three-day Stakeholder Consultation and Validation Workshop for Zimbabwe’s National Blue Economy Strategy is currently underway in Harare, gathering experts and officials to explore ways to harness the country’s extensive water resources.

The strategy, aimed at optimising the economic benefits from Zimbabwe’s fisheries and water bodies, will align with the broader African Union (AU) Blue Economy framework, which was initiated in November 2018 when African leaders mandated a unified approach to sustainable aquatic resource management.
Speaking at the workshop yesterday, a stakeholder in the blue economy sector, Georges Mba Asseko, highlighted the workshop’s importance in contributing Zimbabwe’s perspective to the AU’s continent-wide strategy.
“We are making deliberations on the African blue economy with the main goal of integrating Zimbabwe’s input on how best to derive value from aquatic-based sectors, particularly fisheries, to foster livelihood growth. We have successfully implemented similar initiatives in other countries, and this workshop will feed into the African Union’s larger blue economy strategy,” he said.
The National Blue Economy Strategy will outline how Zimbabwe can economically benefit from the over 10,000 water bodies within its borders, focusing on sustainable development across various sectors.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasised that the strategy will play a pivotal role in unlocking benefits across sectors, such as employment, tourism, and transportation.
“With our abundant water resources, the objective is to find the best ways to utilise our fisheries and ensure each relevant sector benefits. This workshop aims to generate tangible benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and improved transport systems.
“The workshop has drawn together stakeholders from key sectors, including fisheries, water, tourism, and transport, to share insights and contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive National Blue Economy Strategy,” he noted.
Representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union are also in attendance, offering regional and continental perspectives that will help shape Zimbabwe’s policy on sustainable water resource management.
Once finalised, Zimbabwe’s National Blue Economy Strategy is expected to provide a blueprint for maximising the economic, social, and environmental value of the country’s water resources, ensuring sustainable growth and increased opportunities for local communities. The strategy underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to responsible aquatic resource utilisation, aligning with the broader African vision of a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.