IGAD and AfDB Launch BE-Prosper Project to Boost Blue Economy in Horn of Africa

Representing the African Development Bank Group, Ahmed Khan, Chief Fisheries Officer, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has launched a landmark multinational initiative to strengthen blue economy development and resilience across the Horn of Africa. The project—Building Blue Economy Resilience and Prosperity in IGAD & the Horn of Africa (BE-Prosper)—aims to boost fisheries governance, enhance regional trade, strengthen climate resilience and unlock economic opportunities for millions living along coasts, rivers and lakes.

The project was officially launched during a three-day regional event held from 17 to 19 November at IGAD headquarters in Djibouti. Senior government officials, regional experts, development partners, and representatives from FAO, UNIDO, UBC and other institutions participated in discussions shaping the project’s implementation roadmap.

A Strong Push to Unlock the Region’s Blue Economy Potential

Speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, Mohy Tohami, IGAD Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to transforming the region’s aquatic resources into engines of prosperity.

“The IGAD region has vast blue economy resources that, if properly used, will alleviate poverty and provide food security to our population,” he said.

Tohami underscored that harmonised fish standards, robust value chains, and expanded intra-regional fish trade are crucial for building resilient livelihoods and strengthening regional economic integration.

AfDB: Blue Economy Is a Driver of Economic Transformation

Representing the African Development Bank Group, Ahmed Khan, Chief Fisheries Officer, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation. Delivering remarks on behalf of Pascal Sanginga, he noted:

“The African Development Bank is proud to partner with IGAD as it leads a truly multinational initiative where transboundary fisheries, food security, fragility and regional cooperation come together.”

Khan emphasized that the Bank views the blue economy as a strategic pillar for climate resilience, job creation, and economic transformation. BE-Prosper, he said, will help member states modernize fisheries management, expand value addition and improve livelihoods for coastal and riparian communities.

A Multinational Project With Wide-Ranging Support

Funded through a $5.2 million grant from AfDB’s Transition Support Facility Pillar III, the project covers Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan, in partnership with:

• FAO – joint fisheries assessments, scientific research, capacity building

• UNIDO – harmonisation of policies, improving value chains, facilitating regional trade

• University of British Columbia (UBC) – technical training, ecosystem assessments

• IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre (ICPAC) – climate resilience tools and insurance products

The project includes integrated activities such as:

• Vessel monitoring and surveillance

• Joint stock assessments across shared water bodies

• Training programmes for fisheries officers and local communities

• Regional policy harmonisation for safer, higher-quality fish products

• Tools to anticipate climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems

• Strengthening institutional frameworks in participating countries

Moving from Planning to Implementation

Daher Elmi, IGAD Director of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted that all IGAD Member States now have validated national blue economy strategies. The next step, he said, is bringing those strategies to life.

“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.”

A Roadmap for Shared Prosperity

BE-Prosper is expected to:

• Improve food security and nutrition through better-managed fisheries

• Stimulate local and regional economies

• Strengthen the resilience of coastal and inland communities

• Create jobs in fishing, aquaculture, processing and trade

• Enhance climate preparedness across the region

• Promote sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy development

The launch concluded with the establishment of a Project Steering Committee and a detailed implementation roadmap—marking the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to protect aquatic ecosystems while expanding economic opportunities across the Horn of Africa.