Lynda Bendjiane: “Blue Tech, a gas pedal for the development of Algeria's blue economy”

A sector with multiple opportunities

Algeria's blue economy covers many sectors, including fishing, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal tourism, aquatic renewable energies, and biotechnology. Yet its potential remains under-exploited. Lynda Bendjiane points out that fish production is still far from peaking, and that aquaculture, a promising sector, could be further developed.

In addition to fishing, marine renewable energies, particularly offshore wind, and ocean current energy, represent a sustainable alternative to be explored. In addition, the strategic port infrastructures of Algiers, Oran and Béjaïa play a key role in maritime trade and require modernization to optimize logistics and develop new activities linked to the blue economy.

Blue Tech, the engine of transformation

The integration of Blue Tech technologies is essential to energize the sector. These innovations help optimize marine resource management and boost the country's competitiveness.

Technological advances, such as IoT sensors, marine drones, and remote sensing, facilitate monitoring marine ecosystems, enabling early detection of pollution, overfishing and environmental imbalances. At the same time, the digitization of port operations, notably via blockchain and logistics automation, is improving the transparency and efficiency of maritime trade.

Marine biotechnology also offers new prospects for the sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and agri-food sectors. In addition, the environmental data analysis can anticipate marine and coastal dynamics, facilitating the management of economic activities and the preservation of ecosystems.

Challenges to sustainable development

Despite these opportunities, several challenges are holding back the growth of the blue economy in Algeria. Lynda Bendjiane stresses the importance of adapting the regulatory framework to attract investment and encourage the emergence of Blue Tech industries. Funding for research and innovation remains insufficient, requiring incentive policies to stimulate the sector.

The modernization of port and maritime infrastructures is also a crucial issue. Integrating the new technologies in port management would improve logistics and increase the competitiveness of Algerian marine trade.

Prospects and current initiatives

Algeria has taken several initiatives to overcome these challenges and develop its blue economy. Sectoral strategies are underway to strengthen aquaculture, promote sustainable fishing and harness marine renewable energies, while gradually integrating Blue Tech solutions.

Cooperation with international partners provides access to advanced technologies and expertise in the sustainable management of marine resources. At the same time, the creation of technology incubators and funding programs for startups specializing in Blue Tech stimulates innovation and encourages the development of solutions adapted to local challenges.

A Promising Maritime Future

Integrating Blue Tech into Algeria's blue economy represents a unique opportunity to combine economic development with the preservation of maritime resources. By modernizing its infrastructure, implementing incentive policies, and supporting technological innovation, Algeria can exploit its aquatic resources sustainably and establish itself as a key player in transiting a greener, more sustainable economy.