December 14, 2024 (Mombasa, Kenya): The 3rd Technical Working Group and Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting for the Enhancing Blue Economy in the IGAD Member States for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Diversification Project successfully concluded on December 13, 2024. This landmark gathering brought together 41 participants from IGAD Member States, partners, and technical experts to assess project progress, validate end-of- project evaluations, and forge a sustainable path forward for Blue Economy initiatives across the region.
Key Outcomes of the Four-Day Meeting:
- Progress Updates: Delegates shared updates on national Blue Economy initiatives, showcasing achievements and addressing challenges.
- Evaluation Report Validation: The end-of-project evaluation report was reviewed and endorsed, with its findings forming the basis for future planning.
- Action Plan Adoption: A detailed work plan and budget for the No-Cost Extension (NCE) period, approved by SIDA until June 2025, was finalized.
- Strategic Recommendations: Practical and actionable recommendations were developed to ensure the sustainability of project outcomes.
Dr. Eshete Dejen, IGAD Environment Programme Manager and Blue Economy Project Coordinator, delivering remarks on behalf of IGAD’s Director of Agriculture and Environment Division, Daher Elmi, noted: “The project has exceeded its initial objectives. Initially designed to focus on the four IGAD coastal countries—Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan—we successfully expanded its reach to all seven IGAD Member States, including inland nations like Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. In the IGAD Blue Economy initiative, no one is left behind. This commitment will be carry forward into the future.”
Deputy Director Mohamed Athman of Kenya’s State Department for the Blue Economy & Fisheries emphasized: “Kenya places the Blue Economy at the core of its national strategy, reflecting our dedication to sustainable growth in this sector. As a leader in Blue Economy initiatives at regional, continental and international levels, Kenya established the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs to drive strategic projects that harness the Blue Economy’s vast potential for both national and regional benefit.”
Mr. Ayele Kebede, Senior Programme Manager for Environment and Climate at the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa, highlighted Sweden’s longstanding partnership with IGAD: “Since IGAD’s inception in 1986, Sweden has been a steadfast supporter of its initiatives. The Blue Economy project has been transformative, serving as a model for other Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Sweden remains committed to strengthening its partnership with IGAD, ensuring regional development and cooperation continue to thrive.”
The meeting convened representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda, along with key partners including AU-IBAR and the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia. Discussions focused on aligning regional efforts with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and planning for the sustainability of project outcomes beyond 2025.
As the project enters its final phase, the decisions and strategies set during this meeting will be instrumental in future programing and achieving long-term success. By deepening regional integration and building Member States’ capacity, IGAD is paving the way for the Blue Economy to drive inclusive growth, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood diversification across the region.
