President William Ruto has called for urgent investment in Africa’s blue economy to improve food production and enhance food security.

Speaking on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Japan, he emphasized that sustainable use of marine resources can help reduce post-harvest losses and create opportunities for youth in agriculture.

He explained the need for modern infrastructure, including cold storage facilities and upgraded fish landing sites, to ensure harvested fish retain value and benefit local communities.

“By investing in sustainable practices, we can mitigate post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of our communities,” Ruto stated.

“The blue economy has the potential to transform our agricultural landscape and provide greater opportunities for our youth,” he added, noting Japan’s commitment to supporting youth engagement in agriculture.

The initiative aims to equip young people with the skills and resources needed to thrive in both farming and marine enterprises.

Ruto also urged African countries to collaborate on sharing knowledge and experiences in sustainable food production.

“The blue economy meeting we are hosting in March next year in Nairobi is an opportunistic moment for us to share best practices and learn from one another, ensuring that our resources are harvested sustainably for generations to come,” he said.