Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy: From Strategic Frameworks to Effective Implementation focuses on translating continental policies into practical action. Africa has established strong blue economy frameworks under Agenda 2063, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, and related instruments such as the 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy and the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture. The priority now is implementation.
This side event will highlight how Member States and partners are moving from strategy to delivery through bankable projects, targeted investments, and strengthened coordination. It will showcase practical solutions in areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, ocean governance, and blue finance, while identifying key gaps in capacity and financing. The session will position Africa as an action-driven partner committed to scaling results and contributing to global ocean priorities.
Africa’s oceans support food security, livelihoods, trade, and climate regulation, yet they face growing pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and rapid blue economy development. In many cases, investment and development are advancing faster than the scientific knowledge and data systems needed to guide them, increasing environmental and economic risks. This side event highlights the critical role of ocean science and knowledge as essential development infrastructure for Africa’s coastal and island states.
The event will bring together policymakers, scientists, and partners to strengthen the link between science, policy, and investment—particularly in support of blue economy development, climate resilience, and risk reduction. It also aims to position IOCAFRICA as a key regional platform for coordinated action, partnership-building, and resource mobilization under the United Nations Ocean Decade.
The side event will ultimately call for stronger political commitment and sustained investment in ocean science systems to enable informed decision-making and support sustainable development across the continent.
This 90-minute side event brings together governments, investors, civil society, and coastal community leaders to address one of the most urgent challenges in ocean conservation: closing the persistent financing gap while strengthening locally led solutions. Around the world, coastal communities are already delivering powerful conservation outcomes, yet they remain underfunded and unable to scale. This session will spotlight how innovative, financial models can unlock long-term investment for marine conservation while supporting sustainable, inclusive blue economies. Through a high-level keynote and moderated discussions, participants will explore what effective financing for local stewardship looks like in practice and how it can be expanded globally.
The event will feature the launch and announcement of several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Marine Biodiversity and Community Resilience Fund (MCRF), the Northern Mozambique Channel Financing Facility partnership —alongside the Sanlam Blue Frontier Fund and the SWIO Venture Builder. Together, these initiatives represent a new generation of financing mechanisms designed to deliver measurable ecological and socio-economic outcomes, strengthen community governance, and catalyze investment at scale. By formalizing commitments and fostering collaboration, this session will help convert global ambition into tangible action—mobilizing capital, partnerships, and innovation to secure resilient ocean ecosystems and thriving coastal communities.
