By Obiabin Onukwugha
An expert in the Maritime Industry, Dr Felicia Mogo, has warned that African countries neglecting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations in maritime planning risk exclusion from emerging opportunities within the global Blue Economy.
Mogo, who is the President of African Maritime Environment and Sustainability Initiative, stated this on Wednesday during an international webinar held ahead of the Executive Management Training on Maritime Sustainability for African Development, scheduled to take place in October at Accra, Ghana.
Mogo emphasised that Africa’s maritime future depends on investment-ready, environmentally responsible projects rather than abundant ocean resources alone.
Addressing policymakers, investors, regulators and maritime professionals, Mogo urged governments and businesses to embed ESG Principles in maritime development strategies, saying, “ESG frameworks are no longer optional; they are the language of investment.”
The Maritime expert insisted that investors increasingly require strong governance, environmental responsibility and measurable social impact before financing maritime and ocean-based projects.
According to Mogo, sectors affected include ports, fisheries, shipping, coastal infrastructure, marine tourism and other industries linked to sustainable ocean resources.
Mogo whi is also a member of the United Nations Committee on Marine Ecosystems and Socio-Economics, described Blue Economy as an integrated platform connecting environmental stewardship, innovation, investment and economic prosperity across African countries.
She stressed that sustainable growth would require collaboration among governments, private investors, development institutions and coastal communities, and urged African nations to move beyond isolated infrastructure projects and adopt integrated business models capable of generating jobs and multiple revenue streams.
Drawing lessons from Seychelles and Indonesia, Mogo said credible governance and ESG-aligned financing had supported Blue Bonds and strengthened ocean resilience.
She added that Africa must improve project preparation, coordination and implementation to unlock similar financing opportunities and attract long-term investment.
“A key outcome was a proposal to dedicate an October workshop session to transforming marine resources into bankable business models,” she said.
She explained that participants would work with an international consortium to identify investment opportunities and develop financing strategies for commercially viable projects.
Earlier, United Nations-accredited expert, Prof. Chidi Onuoha, described Blue Economy as Africa’s next frontier for inclusive growth, employment and industrial development.
Also Convener of the series, Mr Sam Nwosu, said the programme was designed to move maritime sustainability discussions from thought leadership to practical implementation.
He added that the October workshop will bring together policymakers, regulators, investors and business leaders to accelerate sustainable maritime transformation across Africa.
