IGAD and AfDB Joint Effort to Strengthen the Blue Economy
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), working closely with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has launched a significant regional initiative aimed at expanding sustainable blue economy projects and promoting advanced economic development strategies across the Horn of Africa.
The new multinational effort, titled Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & the Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper), was formally approved during a three-day event held from 17–19 November at IGAD’s headquarters in Djibouti. The gathering included senior government representatives, development institutions, technical experts and regional organisations.
Regional Leaders Highlight Blue Economy Potential
Speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, Mohy Tohami, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, reaffirmed IGAD’s dedication to unlocking regional opportunities tied to the blue economy.
“The IGAD region has vast blue economy resources that, if properly used, will alleviate poverty and provide food security to our population,” he said. He emphasised the need for harmonised fish standards, stronger fisheries value chains and more intra-regional fish trade—key components of stronger economic development strategies.
AfDB Reaffirms Support for Regional Integration
Representing the AfDB, Ahmed Khan delivered remarks on behalf of Pascal Sanginga, noting the Bank’s commitment to improving aquatic food systems, sustainable fisheries and regional value chains.
“The African Development Bank is proud to partner with IGAD as it leads a truly multinational initiative where transboundary fisheries, food security, fragility and regional cooperation come together.”
He added that BE-Prosper will help countries improve fisheries management, enhance value addition and strengthen livelihoods for communities across the Horn of Africa.
This joint initiative strengthens long-standing IGAD and AfDB joint projects designed to advance climate resilience and sustainable resource governance across East Africa.
Project Structure and Funding
Supported by a $5.2 million grant from AfDB’s Transition Support Facility Pillar III, BE-Prosper will assist Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan, in partnership with FAO, UNIDO and the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Key project elements include:
- Joint fisheries assessments, vessel monitoring, capacity-building and institutional strengthening (FAO & UBC)
- Policy harmonisation and intra-regional fish trade facilitation (UNIDO)
- Climate tools and insurance mechanisms from the IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre
- A detailed coordination framework to guide implementation
These efforts support long-term sustainable blue economy projects that improve food security and drive regional prosperity.
Turning Strategy Into Action
Daher Elmi, IGAD Director of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted that all IGAD Member States have now validated national blue economy strategies.
“With BE-Prosper, we are moving from strategy to implementation. The project will translate our blue economy visions into real investments and tangible benefits for communities,” he said.
The launch concluded with the formation of a Project Steering Committee and a clear roadmap to fast-track implementation across the Horn of Africa.
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This story was first reported by African Development Bank Group. Read the full article here.
