The Namibian Government remains committed to developing a blue economy policy to maximize economic benefits from marine resources for all Namibians.

This sentiment was shared at the opening of a Blue Economy Validation Workshop in Windhoek.

The policy also aims to minimize conflict in blue economy sectors such as fisheries, marine mining, marine, and coastal tourism, maritime transport, and coastal infrastructure such as ports.

Although the blue economy is about the ocean, it also cuts across the entire aquatic ecosystem, which seeks to ensure environmental sustainability and social and economic inclusivity in the developmental approach to aquatic resources.

Anely Haiphene, Chairperson of the Blue Economy Committee, says a blue economy will contribute to economic gains, create employment, and eliminate poverty.

"After today's validation, the policy will go through the approval process. Our intention is to have it finalized within the current financial year so that, come the next financial year, we can start the implementation of the policy. By the end of the day, I expect all of us to agree and be satisfied with the policy's content, and that technical official will proceed with the process of policy endorsement and approval at all levels."

To achieve the governance framework, the government has established a committee to develop Namibia's Sustainable Blue Economy Policy.

The validation workshops were conducted in all fourteen regions.