Nordic-Tanzania partnership to boost youth blue economy startups
The Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania, Charlotta Ozaki Macias. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The event celebrates innovation, sustainability, and the long-standing cooperation between Tanzania and the Nordic countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
Dar es Salaam. The Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania, Charlotta Ozaki Macias, has said that building a sustainable blue economy depends on strong partnerships that connect great ideas with the support they need to succeed.
She was speaking during the launch of Nordic Week 2025 and the Elevate Blue Startup Expo in Dar es Salaam.
The event celebrates innovation, sustainability, and the long-standing cooperation between Tanzania and the Nordic countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
Also present were ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, and Norway, as well as Anton Dahlberg, CEO of MTI Investment and TechBridge, who are running the Elevate Blue program.
Ambassador Macias said Nordic Week is about sharing knowledge, finding solutions, and working together to create a more sustainable future.
She highlighted the importance of oceans, which produce half of the oxygen we breathe and help regulate the planet’s climate.
“But our oceans are under threat—from pollution, overfishing, and marine waste,” she said. “That’s why entrepreneurs are so important. Your ideas and innovations are helping us solve these global problems.”
She praised the young innovators who completed the Elevate Blue startup programme, calling them “the future of ocean sustainability.”
She encouraged them to keep pushing forward and reminded them that their work could shape a better world.
Meanwhile, director general of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH),Dr Amos Nungu, said the government is investing in blue economy initiatives like seaweed farming in Zanzibar.
He said Sweden and Norway are supporting climate change research, and small boats have been provided to boost marine activities.
“We are supporting innovation from research to real products and encouraging young people to take advantage of these opportunities,” said Dr Nungu.
He concluded by stating that these concerted efforts align seamlessly with Tanzania’s broader national goals of achieving sustainable development and fostering economic diversification.
By strategically leveraging the country’s extensive marine and coastal resources, Tanzania aims to create new employment opportunities, enhance existing livelihoods, and build a more resilient and prosperous future.
