Examining the Potential of Namibia’s Blue Economy for Inclusive and Sustainable Coastal Development: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy Pathways

With the Blue Economy (BE) concept gaining momentum globally, countries are expected to revise their domestic laws and policies to adopt this initiative, which seeks to maximise economic gain from the ocean while promoting the sustainable use of these resources and ensuring equity and inclusivity. This chapter employs a qualitative research approach and focuses on Namibia’s BE. Through document analysis, Namibian policies related to BE were analysed, and gaps were identified. Furthermore, 21 sectoral experts’ perceptions on BE were explored in July 2025 to understand their involvement in BE, their inclusivity, and their preparedness to further the BE agenda. Results point to major grey areas, for example lack of multi-sectoral policies for sectors linked to BE. Moreover, sectoral experts alluded to actors, including the local communities and youth, who, although included in the BE draft policy, will need to be more amplified in the BE for full inclusivity. With multiple ocean users, the BE concept is multifaceted, and new and proposed developments are expected to render BE even more complex. Major hindrances such as limited inclusiveness, policy gaps, and gender inequality across ocean-related sectors must be addressed. The identified untapped opportunities have the potential to advance the BE initiative in Namibia, in the quest to improve human well-being and inclusivity, reduce environmental risks, and promote economic growth.