By Our Reporter
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (A.B.E.R) has appointed Tanzanian tourism expert, Ms. Devota K. Mdachi, as its East Africa Facilitator in a move aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable Blue Economy initiatives across the region.
The appointment, which took effect on May 1, 2026, was unanimously approved by the A.B.E.R Management Committee in recognition of Mdachi’s more than 33 years of leadership and contributions to tourism, destination marketing, and institutional development.
A statement by the continental Blue Economy platform said Mdachi, who is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will spearhead A.B.E.R’s engagement with East African Community (EAC) member states, regional institutions, governments, and development partners.
Mdachi made history as the first woman to serve as Director of Marketing and later Managing Director of the Tanzania Tourist Board. She currently chairs the AFRIKA TALII ORGANIZATION and serves as the ATP/ATPSA Representative in Tanzania.
According to A.B.E.R, her extensive experience in destination branding, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable tourism development will strengthen the organisation’s efforts to unlock opportunities within East Africa’s Blue Economy sector.
In her new role, she will coordinate country missions, workshops, and stakeholder consultations across the region while identifying and promoting bankable projects in marine tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, ports, and coastal resilience.
She is also expected to mobilise partnerships with governments, development finance institutions, the private sector, and international development partners. Her responsibilities include providing policy advisory services in line with the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy and the AU 2026 Water Theme, as well as submitting quarterly regional reports and representing A.B.E.R at regional and global engagements.
Commenting on the appointment, A.B.E.R Executive Director, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, described Mdachi as a seasoned leader whose wealth of experience would significantly boost the organisation’s activities in East Africa.
“Ms. Mdachi brings unmatched experience in tourism leadership and institutional building. Under her facilitation, we are confident that A.B.E.R’s impact in East Africa will be significantly deepened, in line with our 2026 theme, ‘From Blue Water to Blue Prosperity.’ Her work will be critical to unlocking jobs, investment, and climate-resilient growth for coastal communities,” he said.
The appointment is for an initial term of 24 months and is renewable based on performance. A.B.E.R noted that the position is voluntary and does not attract remuneration.
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable is a continental platform that brings together governments, the private sector, academia, women, and youth to promote sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy development. Its activities are aligned with the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy and the AU Blue Economy Strategy, which seek to harness Africa’s oceans, lakes, and rivers for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and shared prosperity.
