IGAD Blue Economy Project Meeting Sets Path for Sustainable Regional Growth and Biodiversity Conservation

Summary:

• The 3rd Technical Working Group and Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting for the Enhancing Blue Economy in IGAD Member States concluded on December 13, 2024. The meeting, involving 41 participants from IGAD Member States and partners, reviewed project progress, validated evaluations, and set a sustainable path forward.

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The 3rd Technical Working Group and Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the “Enhancing Blue Economy in the IGAD Member States for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Diversification Project” concluded successfully on December 13, 2024. The event brought together 41 participants, including representatives from IGAD Member States, key partners, and technical experts, to assess the project’s progress, validate its evaluation reports, and chart a sustainable future for Blue Economy initiatives in the region.

Key Highlights from the Four-Day Meeting:

• Project Progress Updates: Delegates presented updates on national Blue Economy initiatives, highlighting successes and addressing challenges faced in the implementation process.
• Evaluation Report Endorsement: The final evaluation report was reviewed and validated, with its findings serving as a foundation for future planning efforts.
• Action Plan Finalization: A comprehensive work plan and budget for the No-Cost Extension (NCE) period, approved by SIDA until June 2025, was agreed upon.
• Strategic Recommendations: Practical recommendations were formulated to ensure the sustainability of the project’s outcomes and continued regional impact.

Dr. Eshete Dejen, IGAD’s Environment Programme Manager and Blue Economy Project Coordinator, shared a message on behalf of IGAD’s Director of the Agriculture and Environment Division, Daher Elmi, stating, “The project has surpassed its initial objectives. While originally aimed at the four coastal IGAD nations—Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan—we expanded the scope to include all seven IGAD Member States, including landlocked nations like Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. The IGAD Blue Economy initiative ensures no nation is left behind, a commitment we will carry forward into the future.”

Kenya’s Deputy Director, Mohamed Athman, from the State Department for the Blue Economy & Fisheries, underscored the nation’s commitment to sustainable Blue Economy growth: “Kenya places the Blue Economy at the heart of its national development strategy, and we are proud to lead regional, continental, and international Blue Economy initiatives. Our Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs is central to driving projects that leverage the potential of the Blue Economy for national and regional prosperity.”

Sweden’s Senior Programme Manager for Environment and Climate, Mr. Ayele Kebede, emphasized Sweden’s long-standing partnership with IGAD: “Since IGAD’s founding in 1986, Sweden has consistently supported its initiatives. The Blue Economy project has been transformative and serves as a model for other Regional Economic Communities. Sweden remains committed to strengthening this partnership for continued regional cooperation and development.”

The meeting also brought together representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, along with partners such as AU-IBAR and the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia. Key discussions focused on aligning the region’s efforts with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and ensuring the sustainability of the project’s outcomes post-2025.

As the project enters its final phase, the strategies and decisions made during this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping future programs. Through enhanced regional cooperation and strengthened capacities, IGAD is positioning the Blue Economy as a driver of inclusive growth, biodiversity preservation, and livelihood diversification across the region.