October 9, 2025 (KAMPALA, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for Uganda’s Blue Economy, successfully concluded a three-day workshop on “Strengthening Uganda’s National Blue Economy Coordination Platform” held from 7–9 October 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.
The workshop brought together representatives from Uganda’s key ministries, departments, and agencies alongside IGAD experts to strengthen coordination mechanisms for implementing the country’s National Blue Economy Strategy. The meeting aimed to enhance governance, promote cross-sectoral collaboration, and foster the integration of Blue Economy priorities into Uganda’s national development plans.
Opening the workshop, Dr Eshete Dejen, Programme Manager of IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division – Sustainable Environment Unit, speaking on behalf of Mr Daher Elmi, IGAD Director of Agriculture and Environment Division, welcomed participants and reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting Member States in advancing inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy governance. He underscored that the Blue Economy remains a key driver for transformation and resilience in the IGAD region, promoting biodiversity conservation, livelihoods diversification, and regional cooperation.
Over the three-days, participants held technical discussions and group sessions to identify challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for strengthening Uganda’s National Blue Economy Coordination Platform. They also worked on reviewing Terms of Reference (ToR) for the coordination framework to ensure efficiency, inclusivity, and alignment with regional and continental Blue Economy strategies.
The workshop concluded with a field visit to the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), where participants observed Uganda’s progress in advancing aquaculture technologies and research. The visit showcased innovative approaches that link scientific research with practical solutions for sustainable fisheries and livelihoods. It also provided an opportunity for experience sharing on how IGAD Member States can adopt and scale up climate-smart aquaculture initiatives through regional Blue Economy frameworks supported by the Government of Sweden (SIDA).
Closing the workshop, Mr Solomon Kasasira, Foreign Service Officer and IGAD Desk Officer, Department of Regional Peace and Security at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended IGAD’s leadership in promoting the Blue Economy agenda, stating:
“IGAD is doing great when it comes to the Blue Economy. The next step is to reach the communities — the Blue Economy concept might still be new to them, but together we can grow this vision, integrate forests, and build a sustainable future that benefits all.”
The meeting was organised under IGAD’s regional project “Enhancing Blue Economy in the IGAD Member States for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Diversification”, financed by the Government of Sweden. The initiative supports IGAD Member States in strengthening national Blue Economy governance and translating regional strategies into tangible national actions.
