The Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries, Momade Juízo, yesterday defended the need to transform the Blue Economy Council into an inclusive, technical and strategically oriented space to produce concrete solutions for the sustainable development of marine resources and inland waters.

The statement was made during the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Blue Economy Council 2025, which took place in Maputo.

According to Momade Juízo, “the Council must bring together different actors, sensitivities and skills, creating a space where scientific knowledge, political vision, business experience and the voice of communities can converge towards a common goal,” adding that the sector must make the sea and inland waters a sustainable source of national wealth.

“We want a Blue Economy Council not of quantity, but of quality. A Council that thinks, proposes and monitors; that adds technical knowledge and strategic vision; and that helps ProAzul and the government to make increasingly informed, sustainable and transformative decisions,” he said.

The Secretary of State said he hoped the session would result in practical guidelines, solid recommendations, technical consensus and institutional commitments that would strengthen the capacity of ProAzul and the entire sector in the coordinated implementation of policies and programs linked to the blue economy.

“May the discussions inspire new solutions, improve coordination between sectors and consolidate the role of this Council as a true space for strategic dialogue and collective intelligence for the country,” he said.

More than the approval of strategic instruments, Momade Juízo stressed that the impact of the session should be measured by its ability to demonstrate an articulated, inclusive and innovative operating model.

“What we hope from this session is that it leaves its mark as an institutional reference, showing how the Council can strengthen governance and the integrated promotion of the blue economy in Mozambique,” he said.

The Secretary of State recalled that, on a global scale, the blue economy is becoming increasingly important, due to its role in generating employment, food, energy, environmental protection and sustainable economic development. He therefore called on the members of the Council to commit themselves to ensuring that Mozambique makes balanced and responsible use of its maritime and water potential.

The Secretary to the Chairman of the Board of the ProAzul Fund, Petersburg, said that the path taken so far demonstrates resilience and commitment, guaranteeing the continuity of actions.

“Despite the results achieved, there is awareness that changes are needed to achieve the desired goals,” he said, adding, “We want to start a new stage today and write our story with indelible ink on the path of the Blue Economy Development Fund.” (O País)