Blue Economy Connect (BEC) is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering the youth (students & early-career professionals) in Ghana’s blue economy sector.

An idea born out of the clear gap in Ghana & Africa’s blue economy landscape: the absence of a vibrant platform for youth to engage, connect, collaborate, and influence blue economy development.

Ghana’s blue (freshwater and marine) resources hold immense potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability. However, youth engagement in the blue economy sector (freshwater use; aquaculture; fisheries; ports, shipping & maritime transport; coastal tourism; blue carbon & ecosystem services; marine spatial planning & governance; water transport & inland waterways; offshore renewable energy; disaster risk management & climate resilience; seabed mining & extractives, and others) remains limited due to a lack of access to opportunities, and enabling environments.

BEC provides a platform for the youth, youth leaders, and youth-led organizations to connect and collaborate/ co-create projects that address their own needs and the evolving demands of the blue economy sector. It serves as a hub and dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, project co-creation and development, innovation drive, and professional and sustainable growth in various sectors of the blue economy. What makes BEC unique is its holistic and integrated approach, both in bringing youth expertise from across different sectors of the blue economy in tackling the challenges and youth empowerment with environmental restoration, livelihood creation, and climate-resilient, inclusive future!

 

Vision

To be the leading platform for youth engagement, innovation, and leadership in Ghana & Africa’s blue economy- driving impactful collaborations, entrepreneurial success, career advancement, policy influence, & sustainable development. BEC envisions a future where young professionals play a central role in shaping policies, advancing research, and developing solutions that enhance and shape a thriving, inclusive, and resilient blue economy.

Mission

To elevate Ghana’s (and Africa’s) blue economy through youth-driven innovation, capacity-building, and inclusive engagement. Also, we are dedicated to creating and advocating for the enabling environment where youth thrive- creating sustainable solutions and driving sustainable development in a sector that holds so much potential. We believe that in an empowered environment, young people can create solutions that address both their own needs and the evolving challenges of the sector.