South Africa is combatting threats like piracy and trafficking to boost the growth of its Blue Economy.
Threats like piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing have led to South Africa linking its maritime security to the growth of its Blue Economy.
With over 90% of the country's trade by volume relying on safe Sea Lines of Communication, the South African Navy is upgrading its Maritime Domain Awareness through integrated coastal radar networks and satellite monitoring.
To grow its Blue Economy, the country is upgrading its port infrastructure and ship-repair facilities in hubs like Durban and Cape Town in attempts to increase global trade resilience; Operation Phakisa, marine aquaculture and fish processing are receiving targeted investment to create coastal jobs and support food security; it has expanded its Marine Protected Areas to help replenish fish stocks and boosts coastal tourism and through the SADC Integrated Maritime Security Strategy, South Africa works alongside neighboring African countries to conduct joint patrols and harmonise standards against maritime crimes.
Former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, speaking at the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Benguela Current Convention in Luanda, Angola in May,
