Conference Background

IGAD is organising its first regional Blue Economy Conference to raise awareness on the prospects of ocean/inland waters-related industries and the Blue Growth principles for promoting and sustaining accelerated economic growth, shared prosperity, climate resilience and peace in the Horn of Africa.   More...  

Statement from IGAD Executive Secretary

The fact that 95 percent of the world's oceans and 99 percent of the ocean floor remains unexplored is symbolic of the limited focus there is on the Blue Economy overall. In fact, as human beings we know more about Mars and the Moon than we do about our own Oceans here on earth. Our Oceans, Lakes and Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They cover more than three quarters of the earth’s surface. They shape the weather, regulate temperatures and support a staggering diversity of life. Throughout the history of mankind, our water bodies have been a vital source of food, transport, livelihoods, commerce, growth, and even inspiration.  

More ...

About IGAD Blue Economy

IGAD Secretariat has now given a high priority to the development of the blue economy in the region. It has already created a Blue Economy Unit at the Secretariat level. The Unit will facilitate the development of the blue economy sector as well as coordination of the different sectors and stakeholders responsible for blue economy development in the region. It will also ensure the well-being and sustainability of blue economy-related ecosystems in the region.

Partners to the event

European Union ( EU)

The event is funded by European Union

FAO

The event is organised by IGAD in collaboration with FAO

Republic of Djibouti

The event is organised by IGAD in collaboration with the Republic of Djibouti.

Themes and Topics

The lay-out of the two-day conference is as follows:

Setting the Scene

  •  Africa Blue Economy Strategy
  • IGAD Blue Economy Strategy
  • Anticipating the Emerging Blue Economy Industries

Theme 1:
IGAD Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

  • IGAD Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy
  • IGAD Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy
  • Inland Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chains
  • Marine Small-Scale Fisheries Value Chains
  • Inland Water Blue Economy: Case of Lake Victoria
  • FAO Blue Growth Initiatives
  • Blue Economy Experiences of Development Partners 

Theme 2:
IGAD Tourism Industry

  • Review of the Regional Tourism Industry
  • Review of the Regional Tourism Industry• IGAD Tourism Master Plan and selected Success Stories 

Theme 3:
IGAD Ports, Shipping and Global Connectivity

  • Review of Ports, International Trade and Connectivity
  • Review of Ports, International Trade and Connectivity
  • IGAD Region Ports, Shipping and Global Trade
  • Oil Spill and Dumping of Toxic Materials (Maritime Litter)

Theme 4:
IGAD Maritime Security and Governance

  • IGAD Maritime Security Strategy and Regional Programme for the Promotion of Maritime Security (MASE) Programme

Theme 5:
Country Experiences on Blue Economy

  • Status of Blue Economy in Djibouti
  • Status of Blue Economy in Djibouti
  • Status of Blue Economy in Ethiopia
  • Status of Blue Economy in Kenya
  • Status of Blue Economy in Somalia
  • Status of Blue Economy in South Sudan
  • Status of Blue Economy in Sudan
  • Status of Blue Economy in Uganda
  • Blue Economy Initiatives and Experiences: Canada
  • Blue Economy Initiatives and Experiences: Japan
  • Blue Economy Initiatives and Experiences: United Kingdom
  • Blue Economy Initiatives and Experiences: Belgium
  • Blue Economy Initiatives and Experiences: Spain