Lumumba's Africa. The sea around Africa. Ep 36 | RT Documentary

At the very beginning of the 21st century, some predicted it would be ‘the century of Africa,’ with the sea viewed as one of the main opportunities for the continent's economic development. This is why the Suez Canal has become a vital asset for Africa, significantly reducing shipping times. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea has enabled the creation of an Exclusive Economic Zone extending 200 nautical miles from the shore. Within this zone, some countries are already engaged in offshore oil and gas production, while for others, it could provide a crucial boost for economic development, lifting millions out of poverty and hunger.

However, several challenges remain. One major issue is the uncertainty surrounding some of the borders within the continent, which can lead to conflicts. Additionally, Europeans are eager to maintain the status quo in their own interests, while Africans struggle to secure their maritime resources. Finally, there is the dominance of powers with large naval fleets. Despite these obstacles, Africa still has the potential to fully utilize its marine resources. The question is, will it be able to unite forces to realize the immense potential within the Exclusive Economic Zone?