August 26–27, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, convened a two-day national workshop to strengthen Ethiopia’s National Blue Economy Coordination Platform (NBECP).
The workshop, held in Addis Ababa, brought together representatives from key ministries, national institutions, civil society, and development partners. It aimed to enhance governance mechanisms for the Blue Economy, strengthen coordination across sectors, and mobilise resources for the effective implementation of Ethiopia’s National Blue Economy Strategy.
Africa’s Blue Economy has been recognised by the African Union as a key driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development under Agenda 2063. IGAD has aligned its Blue Economy Strategy (2021–2025) with this vision, supporting Member States to establish national strategies and coordination platforms. Ethiopia’s platform represents a major step forward in institutionalising Blue Economy governance and ensuring cross-sectoral ownership.
In his official opening address, H.E. Dhenge Boru Kosi, State Minister for Transport and Logistics, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative: “It is time to elevate this sector to its rightful place within our national development priorities, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to economic diversification, sustainability, and regional integration.”
He commended IGAD and development partners, particularly the Government of Sweden through SIDA, for their continued support, while reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to implementing its Blue Economy Strategy in a coordinated and measurable manner.
The State Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in maritime training and gender inclusion, noting the historic admission of women trainees at the Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute. He further underlined the opportunities presented by aquaculture and renewable energy developments, including the emerging potential of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for fish production and livelihoods
Over the two days, participants reviewed Ethiopia’s Blue Economy Strategy implementation plan, explored mechanisms to integrate Blue Economy priorities into the national development framework, and discussed enabling tools such as financing, capacity development, partnerships, and innovation. Group sessions focused on drafting priority annual action plans and establishing clear Terms of Reference for the National Coordination Platform, ensuring its functionality and sustainability.
The outcomes of the Addis Ababa workshop include strengthened governance structures, actionable recommendations to embed Blue Economy priorities into Ethiopia’s broader development planning, and renewed commitment to resource mobilisation.
The deliberations in Ethiopia form part of a broader IGAD initiative to enhance Blue Economy governance and implementation across the region, with generous financial support from the Government of Sweden through SIDA, whose partnership continues to underpin these transformative efforts.
