Strategic Partnership to Boost Nigeria's Blue Economy
The African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) has joined forces with the Department of Technical Cooperation with African Nations (DOTCAN) Institute from Canada to launch a significant capacity-building program focused on Nigeria's blue economy sector. The collaboration will deliver the Women and Youth Technical Capacity in ocean science technology and Blue Economy (WYTEC) training programme this year.
Identifying Gaps and Creating Solutions
According to Dr Felicia Mogo, Founder and President of AFMESI, the two organizations conducted a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise to evaluate the existing technical expertise within Nigeria's ocean science technology and blue economy landscape. This assessment revealed specific areas where capacity enhancement was urgently needed.
To address these identified gaps and promote sustainable development, the organizations published advertisements inviting applications from interested candidates, with particular emphasis on women and young people seeking specialized training opportunities.
Dr Mogo emphasized that this initiative perfectly aligns with the shared objectives of AFMESI and DOTCAN to empower more women and youth to actively participate in the blue economy for economic advancement. She highlighted that capacity building represents one of AFMESI's strategic pillars within the maritime and blue economy space.
Building on Formal Cooperation
The training program follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year between AFMESI and the DOTCAN Institute, establishing a framework for technical cooperation. Under this agreement, 20 candidates have already been selected for the WYTEC Programme based on clearly defined selection criteria.
Dr Mogo expressed strong optimism that upon completion of the training, Nigeria will witness a substantial increase in the number of skilled women and youth contributing meaningfully to the country's marine and blue economy sectors.
The partnership demonstrates both organizations' commitment to developing technical skills and promoting sustainable growth in Nigeria's emerging blue economy, potentially creating new economic opportunities while ensuring environmental sustainability.
