Farhiya Elmy: a hijab diver breaking barriers, transforming Tanzania’s Blue Economy through seaweed farming
Along the pristine coastline of Tanzania, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet the resilience of coastal communities, a revolution is taking shape, one strand of seaweed at a time. At the heart of this transformation is Farhiya Elmy, a marine scientist, diver and entrepreneur redefining the blue economy through Seablue Innovators Co. Ltd.
What began as an exploratory trip to Kwale Island in Pwani, Tanzania, in 2023 soon became a mission to uplift a community almost entirely dependent on seaweed farming. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of local farmers—limited market access, financial instability, and climate change impacts—Farhiya knew she had to be more than just a middleman. She had to be a changemaker.
Now, Seablue Innovators works with 60 seaweed farmers, championing an integrated approach that combines economic empowerment, conservation, and innovation. Through education, financing, climate resilience initiatives, and value-added seaweed products, the company is proving that sustainable marine businesses can thrive while safeguarding the environment.
Seaweed: a hidden treasure for sustainability and livelihoods and climate solution
Seaweed farming is more than just a source of income; it is a nature-based solution to climate change. It absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide—up to 100 tons of carbon annually per 10-hectare farm. By buffering ocean acidity, reducing coastal erosion, and enhancing biodiversity, seaweed farms act as natural marine defenders.
Unlike traditional agriculture, which often demands freshwater, fertilizers, and land clearance, seaweed cultivation thrives without chemicals or freshwater use, making it one of the most sustainable food production systems.
Economic Empowerment: Lifting Coastal Communities
In Tanzania, women make up 80% of seaweed farmers, yet they face barriers in accessing markets and financial resources. Seablue Innovators has introduced a unique seaweed financing model, equipping farmers with tools, training, and market connections. Farmers contribute 2% of their sales to a sustainability fund, while the company reinvests 15% of its profits back into the community.
Beyond farming, the company’s MWANI DELIGHT HOUSE is turning seaweed into high-value food products, creating jobs and projecting to employ 100 locals by 2028. Through this model, seaweed farming is no longer just a subsistence activity—it is a pathway to financial independence and community resilience.
The Intersection of Science, Business, and Conservation
Marine conservation has long been male-dominated, and the journey has been even more challenging for Farhiya as a Muslim woman. In many coastal communities of Tanzania, misconceptions persist about women in marine science; some even believed that marine work would require removing her hijab.
But she defied expectations, not just by excelling in her field but by diving—hijab and all. Through her work with Mwambao Coastal Community, she led the first-ever participatory underwater surveys for women in 2024, proving that women can, and must, be at the forefront of marine conservation. Inspired by her resilience, the community now calls her the “Hijab Diver”, a symbol of breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.
“Balancing conservation with business growth isn’t easy,” says Farhiya Elmy, “but for me, it’s a mission, something I approach through three main pillars that guide everything I do.”
“First,” she explains, “there’s sustainable resource management. I focus on climate-resilient farming techniques, like deep-water seaweed cultivation and using heat-resistant strains that can thrive in changing conditions. At the same time, I’m very careful to avoid harming coral reefs and seagrass beds – these are ecosystems we must protect.”“The second pillar is all about circular economy and value addition,” she continues. “It’s not just about harvesting raw seaweed, but transforming it into high-value products like food, organic fertilizers, and even bio-based materials. This helps us reduce waste and increase profits at the same time.”
“And finally, the third pillar is community empowerment,” she adds. “We train local farmers in sustainable harvesting techniques and make sure that a portion of our profits goes back into conservation effort, like restoring mangroves and monitoring shellfish populations. These initiatives create a real incentive for local communities to protect their marine environment.”
Breaking barriers both in the ocean and on land, Farhiya’s journey as a hijab-wearing diver is a powerful example of how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can drive positive change, for people and for the planet.
Advice from Farhiya Elmy to Young Africans Entering the Blue Economy
“For young Africans, especially women, who want to enter marine conservation and the blue economy, my advice is to start local. Getting involved in community projects is a great way to gain hands-on experience and understand the real challenges and opportunities.
It’s also important to develop strong technical skills. I always recommend learning about GIS, aquaculture, conservation policy, and entrepreneurship. These tools can really open doors and give you a stronger voice in the field.
I also believe in advocating for inclusive leadership. We need more women and youth at the table where decisions are made, and it’s up to us to push for that change.
Another thing I always say is, don’t be afraid to explore innovation. The blue economy is full of possibilities beyond traditional roles. There is so much happening in areas like blue carbon, ecotourism, and value-added marine products.
And finally, stay courageous. Even the people we look up to get scared sometimes, but they move forward anyway. That’s what makes the difference.
I truly believe that with innovation, empowerment, and care for the environment, we can build a better future. At Seablue Innovators, we see seaweed farming not just as an industry, but as a movement. And for the coastal communities of Tanzania, it’s becoming a real lifeline for resilience in a changing world.”
Farhiya Elmy: a hijab diver breaking barriers, transforming Tanzania’s Blue Economy through seaweed farming
