Blue Gold: Pan-African Perspectives on the Blue Economy

Hosted by Andia Akidiva, LLB, LLM (Maritime Law)

The Blue Gold Podcast is an in-depth storytelling and policy dialogue platform exploring how Africa can unlock the full potential of its blue economy — the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and freshwater resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.

Through compelling narratives, expert conversations, and on-the-ground insights, Blue Gold dives into the sectors, stories, and stakeholders driving Africa’s maritime transformation — from marine tourism to shipping, fisheries, and ocean governance.

Each episode unpacks a vital aspect of Africa’s relationship with its water resources.

Blue Gold seeks to amplify African voices and bridge the gap between policy, business, academia, and communities. The podcast provides a platform where everyday Africans, maritime professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders discuss ideas that shape the continent’s sustainable ocean future.

By translating complex policies into compelling stories and connecting diverse regions — from East Africa’s coastline to West Africa’s ports and even landlocked nations — Blue Gold showcases Africa’s vast potential to harness its blue resources sustainably and inclusively.

Blue Gold is written, produced, and hosted by Andia Akidiva, LLB, LLM (Maritime Law) — a maritime lawyer and Director of Ocean Edge Marine Services, whose expertise in ocean governance, policy, and sustainability brings a uniquely African perspective to global maritime conversations. The series is co-produced by James Smart, a seasoned journalist, Reagan-Fascel Fellow, and Chevening Scholar.

Blue Gold is more than a podcast — it’s a movement to reimagine Africa’s relationship with its waters. By combining storytelling, research, and conversation, it seeks to redefine how the continent’s oceans, rivers, and lakes contribute to sustainable development.

Whether you’re a policymaker, student, or ocean enthusiast, this podcast invites you to discover the opportunities and challenges of Africa’s blue economy — one story at a time.