On 27 February 2025, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (the Authority), Ms. Leticia Carvalho, participated in a high-level virtual meeting with members of the African Group. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the growing engagement of African Member States in ocean governance and the sustainable use of marine resources.
The discussion built on engagements during Madam Secretary-General’s recent mission to New York, where she met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Chair of the African Group Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud and Under-Secretary-General for Africa Cristina Duarte. These conversations reaffirmed Africa’s maritime domain as a pillar of economic growth, regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Emphasizing the significance of Africa’s blue economy, Madam Secretary-General highlighted its substantial contribution to livelihoods and prosperity. “Africa’s blue economy is already a major contributor to economic growth, generating USD300 billion annually and supporting millions of jobs across fisheries, maritime trade, offshore energy and emerging marine industries. As interest in ocean resources continues to expand, our discussions must focus on ensuring that governance frameworks support long-term sustainability while allowing for economic opportunities that benefit all States,” she stated.
In closing, Madam Secretary-General Carvalho outlined her vision for the Authority, centred on three fundamental priorities: strengthening ocean governance, ensuring that no one is left behind and advancing science-based decision-making and environmental protection.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration, the Authority and the African Union are finalizing a memorandum of understanding for 2025–2029, establishing a structured framework for cooperation. In April 2025, Carvalho will travel to Addis Ababa to discuss concrete actions for advancing this partnership.
The Authority also welcomed the African Group’s continued leadership in the upcoming March Council meeting, where an African Member State will assume the Presidency of the Council, further reinforcing the region’s role in shaping seabed governance.
About the International Seabed Authority
The International Seabed Authority (the Authority) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage the mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction for the shared benefit of humankind. The Authority is committed to ensuring that all economic activities in the deep seabed, including mining, are regulated and responsibly managed using the best available scientific evidence for the benefit of all (hu)mankind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Communications Unit of the Authority, news@isa.org.jm