The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has launched a multinational initiative to accelerate coordinated blue economy development across the Horn of Africa. The project, called the Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & the Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper), was officially approved during a three-day event at IGAD headquarters in Djibouti from 17–19 November, which convened senior government officials, development partners, experts, and regional institutions.
Mohy Tohami, IGAD Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, highlighted the region’s vast blue economy resources and their potential to alleviate poverty and improve food security. He emphasized that well-governed fisheries, resilient coastal economies, harmonized fish standards, strong value chains, and expanded intra-regional fish trade are critical for economic integration and improved livelihoods in the region.
Representing the AfDB, Ahmed Khan, Chief Fisheries Officer, underscored the Bank’s commitment to strengthening aquatic food systems, sustainable fisheries, and regional value chains across East Africa. He noted that the BE-Prosper project would support member states in improving fisheries management, creating value-addition opportunities, and enhancing livelihoods for coastal and riparian communities, positioning the blue economy as a driver of both economic transformation and climate resilience.
Funded through a $5.2 million grant from AfDB’s Transition Support Facility Pillar III, the BE-Prosper project focuses on Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan, working in collaboration with FAO, UNIDO, and the University of British Columbia (UBC). Project activities include joint fisheries assessments, vessel monitoring, training and institutional strengthening, policy harmonization, facilitation of intra-regional fish trade, climate resilience tools, and insurance mechanisms. A detailed coordination framework has been established to ensure effective and timely implementation.
BE-Prosper is expected to enhance food security, stimulate local economies, strengthen community resilience, and promote inclusive blue economy development across the IGAD region. Daher Elmi, IGAD’s Director of Agriculture and Environment, noted that all IGAD Member States now have validated national blue economy strategies, and the project will translate these strategies into tangible investments and benefits for communities.
The launch concluded with the establishment of a Project Steering Committee and the agreement on an implementation roadmap, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort to unlock the Horn of Africa’s blue economy potential.
