| Publication |
2013.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The African littoral of the Indian Ocean is a significant part of the Indian Ocean region. In the context of the IOR-ARC, focus is given to the African littoral of the Indian Ocean Rim, which consists of 10 states plus three French island territories. However, an African Indian Ocean extended area of 24 states plus the French islands can be identified as part of the broader Indian Ocean region, to which we refer as the African Indian Ocean littoral and hinterland. This highlights the fact that the African land-locked states represent a pertinent and significant dimension to the relation between the African littoral and the rest of the Indian Ocean region. Overall, this African Indian Ocean littoral and hinterland is a region of low socio-economic development facing many challenges. Nonetheless, it is a region on the move, and some substantial improvements can be expected during the entire twenty-first century. The potential, and perhaps even expected outcome of a much larger and healthier population, a better performing and more open economy, and an increase in and more efficient management of maritime activities will set the scene for the rising significance of the African littoral to both the Indian Ocean region and the Indian Ocean Rim, thus also increasing its geopolitical and geostrategic significance.
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