Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission organized an interactive Brown Bag Seminar on Geopolitics and the Blue Economy in West Africa at its headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on 31 July 2026. The seminar explored how maritime interests, governance challenges, regional cooperation, and external influences shape peace, stability, and policy across the West African sub-region.
According to African Press Organization, the seminar aimed to strengthen institutional knowledge-sharing on emerging regional issues. Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs, emphasized that this initiative bridges the gap between academic scholarship and policy practice by fostering informed dialogue among ECOWAS staff and stakeholders.
Dr. Afolabi highlighted the growing presence of external actors and foreign interests operating under the guise of development partnerships. He noted that while these engagements can generate employment opportunities and support infrastructure development, they may become exploitative if West African countries do not adopt a clear, coordinated strategy to protect their sovereign maritime resources and strategic interests.
Dr. Seiyefa Ebimboere, Acting Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Baze University, provided a historical analysis of the blue economy in West Africa. Her keynote presentation examined maritime power dynamics, shipping, seaports, and the strategic importance of maritime spaces in advancing political, economic, and military interests.
Dr. Ebimboere addressed key challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, distant-water fishing fleets, marine pollution, and inadequate aquaculture storage infrastructure. She emphasized the untapped economic opportunities within the blue economy, noting that both coastal and landlocked Member States could benefit from stronger regional cooperation and sustainable management of maritime resources.
The seminar gathered participants from various ECOWAS Commission directorates, developmental partners, and civil society organizations, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas. Discussions focused on practical approaches for enhancing regional security, governance, and policy coordination, leveraging the strategic potential of the blue economy to promote sustainable development across West Africa.