Beyond the Deep: Rethinking Seabed Mining and Safeguarding Africa's Blue Economy

As Africa’s coastal nations navigate the promise and peril of the Blue Economy, seabed mining emerges as a contentious frontier—offering short-term economic gains while threatening long-term ecological and social stability. This paper interrogates the scientific, ethical, and geopolitical dimensions of seabed mining in Africa, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, and proposes sustainable alternatives that prioritize community resilience, biodiversity conservation, and regional innovation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and grounded common sense, it advocates for a moratorium on seabed mining and a pivot toward regenerative ocean industries. The goal is to inspire policymakers, researchers, and coastal communities to safeguard Africa’s marine heritage while unlocking its true economic potential