November 7, 2025 (MOGADISHU, Somalia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with the Blue Economy project financially supported by the Government of Sweden (Sida) and in collaboration with the Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, convened a two-day national consultation workshop on strengthening Blue Economy governance and coordination mechanisms in Somalia.
The workshop brought together senior government officials, representatives from coastal communities, academia, private sector, and civil society organisations. The discussions aimed to enhance national capacity, Blue Economy institutionalization, national Blue Economy Strategy implementation ststud, and strengthen coordination in advancing the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. Improving Blue Economy Governance was a central agenda, which ic a key pillar of IGAD’s Regional Blue Economy Strategy.
Welcoming participants to the meeting, Mr. Mohamud Kaarshe, IGAD Head of Mission to Somalia, underscored IGAD’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to harness its Blue Economy potential for inclusive growth and regional integration.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Raisa Mohamed, Director of the Blue Economy Department at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, highlighted the importance of integrated governance and local ownership in advancing Somalia’s maritime agenda:
“Our oceans and coastal ecosystems are not just resources — they are our future. Strengthening coordination among national institutions is essential to ensure that our Blue Economy delivers tangible benefits for our people.”
She further emphasised that the Ministry is working closely with IGAD and partners to operationalise Somalia’s National Blue Economy Strategy, aligned with regional frameworks:
“Through partnership and shared learning, we can transform our marine and coastal assets into engines of resilience, job creation, and climate adaptation.”
Over the two days, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on national institutional frameworks and mechanisms for multi-sectoral coordination. The workshop also examined linkages between the Blue Economy and priority areas such as fisheries management, maritime security, climate resilience, and community livelihoods.
The outcomes of the Mogadishu consultation will inform IGAD’s ongoing regional assessment on Blue Economy governance and contribute to the development of a harmonised framework for Member States. The initiative is part of IGAD’s broader effort to strengthen institutional capacities and promote sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient Blue Economy development across the region.
