Orazio Albano: 20 Years of career dedicate to the Blue Economy – This interview is particularly special to me; I asked myself, “If you could interview one person, who would it be?” At first, I just tought I would want to explore and turn into an exciting interview connected to the Blue Economy. Then, this morning, as I was scrolling through some old text messages, I came across a conversation I had with Orazio Albano. He mentioned that in October 2024, he reached an impressive milestone: 20 years of an exceptional career.
Through my collaboration with Orazio Albano, I gained valuable experience and developed a clearer vision of how dedication and hard work can drive meaningful change. His two decades of unwavering commitment have opened doors to foster connections, share knowledge, and promote best practices between the Mediterranean and Africa, leaving a lasting impact on communities and individuals. Inspired by this insight, I began crafting a series of questions to uncover the story behind his remarkable journey.
Here are the questions I posed to Orazio Albano, followed by his insightful answers.
How did this journey begin, and what has driven your passion for the ocean and coastal communities?
My career, from October 2004 to October 2024, has been deeply rooted in my love for the ocean and the people who live along its coasts. This passion isn’t just part of my work – it’s part of who I am, tied to my roots and the places I’ve called home. The ocean has been my compass, a constant source of inspiration, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.
You emphasize mindset over strategy or execution. Could you explain that in more detail?
Experience shapes the mindset. When you truly love what you do, everything changes. Passion fuels perseverance, and gratitude magnifies growth. Instead of chasing opportunities, you create them. It’s about learning to read the tides and chart your course rather than waiting for the perfect wave.
Every day, I remind myself to celebrate victories, stay grateful for lessons, and trust the rhythm of life. It’s not about running after opportunities but becoming the kind of person that opportunities naturally gravitate toward.
What was a defining moment in your career?
The most transformative moment was at 24 when I built a fish processing plant from scratch at the port of Tema in Ghana. It was my first time navigating a completely new continent. This experience profoundly shaped my character and honed my professional skills. It was in Ghana that my connection with Africa’s boundless potential truly began. I discovered both the challenges and joys of working in such a dynamic context.
You’ve worked in many countries. What were some of the most significant experiences?
“I cannot forget the experience of studying the fishing sector in the Republic of Congo, navigating the entire Congo River in search of potential project actions, or exploring the vast opportunities of Angola.
The years spent in Egypt stand out as a time of immense growth. I was part of the country’s extraordinary aquaculture boom – a chapter filled with innovation and collaboration.
Albania stands out for its profound spirit of collaboration, which fostered fraternal friendships that I will always cherish.
In Tunisia, I collaborated with groups of women involved in fisheries and small entrepreneurship, whose strength and dedication were deeply inspiring, as well as with fishermen committed to sustainability, demonstrating that achieving balance is possible.
In Morocco, I experienced its brilliance and vibrancy of the aquaculture development.
In Libya, I felt the energy and determination of a country rebuilding its immense potential, and I had the privilege of collaborating with a workgroup that became like a family.
I vividly remember the resilience of a Somali professor in Mogadishu, striving to reconstruct his university fisheries course despite facing immense challenges.
Kenya holds a special place in my heart, not only for its breathtaking environmental beauty but also for the collaboration with its people to envision a brighter future for the coast and its communities. Together, we co-created dynamic opportunities of business, such as turning a TukTuk into a mobile fish shop, ready for delivery through a web app.
What does Italy mean to you in the context of your career?
Italy has been both a home and a harbor. It’s where I developed a deeper understanding of aquaculture and fish processing. The lessons I learned in Italy weren’t just technical – they were about adapting and growing with every challenge and standard, supported by incredible entrepreneurs and thinkers.
As you look back on 20 years, what stands out the most?
Each experience has left an indelible mark on my life. I often think every chapter deserves its own book, capturing the depth of the moments, lessons, and connections.
Looking ahead, I see an ocean of possibilities still waiting to be explored. Every lesson learned is a guiding star, and every challenge faced shapes my route forward. With experience as my compass and passion as my wind, I’m ready to navigate toward new horizons.
Any final reflections or messages you’d like to share?
To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. You’ve shaped not just my career but the person I’ve become.
Orazio Albano’s 20-year career is a testament to his enduring passion for the ocean and coastal communities. His journey, built on a mindset of perseverance and adaptability, has been shaped by invaluable experiences across various countries. From Mediterranean to Africa, his career reflects a commitment to both professional excellence and meaningful collaboration. As he looks to the future, Orazio’s path is guided by the lessons of the past, the connections he has cultivated, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
