The 21st Century will see enormous population and economic growth in Africa, together with increased pressures on the ocean and coastal zone. Arguably, there is no more opportune and important continental region on Earth for the growth of a blue economy.

Join us on March 24, 2021, from 8:30am-1:30pm (Atlantic Daylight Time or ADT) (11.30pm – 4:30pm GMT) for a dynamic, half-day symposium highlighting opportunities for Canadians and West Africans to work together to build a safe and sustainable blue economy. The focus will be on the mutual benefits that can be realized using a joined-up approach connecting private sector, maritime security and research interests.

The symposium is part of DOTCAN’s ongoing response to the ground-breaking Nairobi Sustainable Blue Economy Conference which was co-sponsored by Canada in November 2018 and attended by 18,000 delegates. The Nairobi conference resulted in numerous commitments to work with African nations and Small Island Developing States to promote a global sustainable Blue Economy in support of United Nations SDG 14.

The DOTCAN symposium will feature expert panelists and keynote speakers from Canada and West African addressing:
-Pressures on the fishing industry off West Africa and their implications
-Maritime safety and security needs and cooperation
-Maritime strategies towards sustainable livelihoods
-Entrepreneurship/startup cultures and experiences
– Collaborative business and trade opportunities for Canada and West Africa

The Symposium is organized and hosted by DOTCAN (Development of Ocean Technical Capacity with African Nations). The provisional agenda for the symposium will be posted at www.dotcan.africa soon. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact info@dotcan.africa.