IGAD opens 4th steering committee meeting to advance a resilient blue economy

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Monday launched the 4th Steering Committee Meeting of the Blue Economy Project in Addis Ababa, gathering representatives from Member States, development partners, and technical experts to evaluate progress and shape the next phase of regional collaboration.

Opening the meeting, officials emphasized that the Blue Economy ranging from fisheries and maritime transport to coastal tourism, renewable energy, and aquatic ecosystem conservation remains central to IGAD’s vision for sustainable and climate-resilient development.

Joachim Beijmo, Head of Regional Development Cooperation for Africa at the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia, commended the initiative’s achievements so far, noting that it has “laid a strong foundation for Blue Economy development in the region.”

He added that the project has significantly strengthened the research science–policy nexus, enabling countries to make more informed decisions and elevating the programme to one of IGAD’s flagship initiatives.

Reviewing results and setting the path ahead

The Steering Committee meeting offers a platform for Member States to assess the final outputs of the project, harmonize national and regional Blue Economy priorities, and reinforce mechanisms for long-term governance.

With the project approaching its conclusion, discussions are expected to focus on sustainability, capacity-building, and resource mobilization for future regional actions.

Officials highlighted that improved coordination among countries bordering the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and freshwater bodies is essential for tackling shared challenges such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, climate vulnerability, and fragmented regulatory frameworks.

In a statement, IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a resilient, prosperous, and better-integrated Blue Economy, stressing that strengthened cooperation is vital for unlocking the region’s aquatic resources while safeguarding ecosystems for future generations.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to inform IGAD’s strategy for scaling up Blue Economy initiatives across the Horn of Africa, leveraging partnerships and science-driven policies to build more inclusive and climate-resilient coastal and aquatic communities.