The blue economy has a vast range of opportunities, spanning marine transport, renewable energy, biotechnology, coastal tourism, and more.
However, students are often introduced to only a narrow segment, primarily fisheries and aquaculture, limiting their understanding and potential within the broader sector.
To bridge this gap, two alumni of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at KNUST have launched an innovative initiative known as Blue Economy Connect (BEC).
The initiative seeks to connect young professionals, industry stakeholders, and policymakers by creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership in the blue economy.
Introducing the initiative to students at KNUST, Goddey Atitsogbui, CEO of Blue Economy Connect, outlined the vision behind the initiative.
“We are here today at KNUST to introduce Blue Economy Connect to students. Our goal is to co-create a vibrant campus hub and student network that actively engages in sharing and accessing both local and international opportunities.
Through this network, students will participate in capacity-building projects, leadership programs, and establish meaningful connections with professionals and industries across the blue economy,” he said.
“Blue Economy Connect is a dynamic platform focused on youth empowerment. It brings together young leaders and youth-led organizations to collectively build capacity and elevate the blue economy sector in Ghana and across Africa.
Our mission is to empower youth to drive sustainable development and innovation within the sector,” he stated.
Goddey also shared the long-term aspirations of the initiative:
“We envision a future where young people are not just passive participants but active changemakers, developing projects, engaging in entrepreneurship, and leading initiatives that transform the blue economy.
We aim to position BEC as a model for youth transformation in this sector. With the government currently working to establish a Blue Economy Commission, we hope to be at the forefront of shaping youth participation in that process,”
Frank Owusu, co-founder of BEC, echoed the importance of the initiative.
“This is an opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives, connect with peers in the field, and explore impactful projects. It’s also about equipping them with the tools and networks they need to thrive in the blue economy,” he noted.
Frank Owusu, who founded Aquamet, a startup designed to support fish farmers, has been shortlisted as one of sixteen innovators from seven African countries for the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, presented by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
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