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On 28 October 2025, the second segment of the Oceans Economy Symposium, provincial leaders stated strategic vision to position the Eastern Cape’s marine resources as a major growth frontier. The initiative focuses on economic development, job creation, and sustainable use of the province’s 800-kilometre coastline.
What Happened
The symposium showed the Eastern Cape’s potential in sectors such as fisheries, shipping, marine tourism, and offshore energy. Officials stressed the need to scale up from small-scale operations to commercially viable projects that create real socio-economic benefits.
By leveraging the national Operation Phakisa framework, the province intends to strengthen data collection, improve monitoring, and align interventions to maximize the economic value of its oceans economy. The discussion also emphasized inclusive growth, ensuring coastal communities directly benefit from marine-based industries.
Official Response
Provincial leaders noted the oceans economy as a critical element of long-term development.
“Our coastline and marine resources are not just natural treasures — they are central to driving inclusive, sustainable growth for our people,” said a provincial spokesperson.
Officials noted ongoing efforts to integrate marine research, commercialization, and policy planning to ensure measurable impacts on GDP, employment, and trade.
Community Impact
The initiative promises job creation and economic opportunities for coastal communities across the Eastern Cape. Fisheries, tourism, and offshore energy projects could provide sustainable livelihoods while preserving the province’s natural marine assets.
Stakeholders welcomed the plan, emphasizing that responsible development of the oceans economy can transform local economies and strengthen resilience in coastal regions.
