Investing in Blue Foods 2026

Introduction Blue foods offer one of the most practical and scalable solutions for Africa’s priorities of economic growth, job creation and food security. When properly managed, blue foods can improve nutrition, create sources of livelihood, cut emissions and preserve ecosystems. Given Africa’s water resources and its growing demand for affordable protein, the continent’s blue foods systems hold vast untapped potential. This white paper sets out a pathway for unlocking that potential. It draws on data, case studies and global best practice to demonstrate how targeted innovation, coupled with a stronger enabling environment, can transform Africa’s blue foods landscape from fragmented activity into a coherent, investable system capable of scale.The report is structured around the full blue foods value chain – inputs, production, processing, supply chain, circularity and waste – illustrating how innovation at each stage can raise productivity, reduce losses and improve environmental outcomes. It also highlights the foundational systems needed to sustain that innovation: finance, infrastructure, governance and human capacity. Lessons from success-case countries show that progress depends not only on technology, but also on coordination – between governments, the private sector, development partners and communities. By aligning these actors around shared priorities, Africa can build a thriving blue foods economy that nourishes its people, protects its ecosystems and strengthens its position in the global food system. Investing in Blue Foods: Innovation and Partnerships for Impact 5