Join the first webinar in a series promoting the Sustainability and ESG Africa Conference (SEACon) on March 4 at 15:00. A panel experts will unpack the ocean economy and sustainability, setting the stage for discussions to be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre during the conference, taking place from September 30 to October 1.

The webinar (register here) will examine the central role Africa’s ocean economy plays in the continent’s development. Ocean-based activities underpin food security, trade, energy and livelihoods across more than 38 coastal and island states, supporting sectors ranging from fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, ports, offshore energy and emerging green shipping fuels.

However, many of these sectors are under increasing pressure. Over-extraction of marine resources, illegal and unreported fishing, climate-related impacts on ocean systems and pollution are threatening ecosystem health and the long-term viability of coastal economies. The webinar will explore how these challenges can be addressed while safeguarding jobs and economic value.

Simultaneously, Africa faces a significant opportunity to reshape its ocean economy. The global drive to decarbonise maritime transport, coupled with rising demand for green hydrogen-derived fuels such as ammonia and methanol, positions Africa’s renewable energy potential and strategic ports as key enablers of a low-carbon shipping future.

Grounded in African policy priorities and development realities, the discussion will focus on practical pathways to balance sustainable marine resource management with the transition to green shipping fuels, resilient port infrastructure and regenerative, inclusive ocean-based growth. The webinar forms part of the build-up to SEACon, which will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to advance sustainability and ESG outcomes across the continent.