The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has launched a new multinational project to accelerate a coordinated blue economy action plan for the Horn of Africa.
“The IGAD region has vast blue economy resources that, if properly used, will alleviate poverty and provide food security to our population,” said Mohy Tohami, IGAD Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration speaking on behalf of Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary. He emphasized that well-governed fisheries and resilient coastal economies are central to regional transformation.
Entitled the Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & the Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper) project, it includes joint fisheries assessments, vessel monitoring, training and institutional strengthening with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and University of British Columbia; harmonization of policies and facilitation of intra-regional fish trade led by UNIDO; climate resilience tools and insurance mechanisms from the IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre; and a detailed project coordination framework to ensure timely implementation.
It was funded through a $5.2-million grant from the bank’s Transition Support Facility Pillar III, in collaboration with FAO, UNIDO and UBC and supports Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan.
BE-Prosper is expected to enhance food security, stimulate local economies, strengthen community resilience, and promote inclusive Blue Economy development across the IGAD region. With stronger governance, deeper collaboration and sustained investment, the initiative is set to deliver long-term prosperity for coastal and inland communities across the Horn of Africa.
Daher Elmi, IGAD’s Director of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted the progress made with all IGAD Member States now having validated national blue economy strategies.
“With BE-Prosper, we are moving from strategy to implementation. The project will translate our blue economy visions into real investments and tangible benefits for communities,” he said.
