The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is set to hold its second Knowledge Share Fair on the Blue Economy in Djibouti from November 26th to 28th, 2024. The event, themed “Investing in Blue Economy for Regional Integration,” will bring together over 150 participants, including representatives from IGAD member states, the private sector, international organizations, and NGOs.
Organized with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, the fair aligns with IGAD’s Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (BESIP). This strategy, adopted in April 2022 by Blue Economy ministers from IGAD member states in Addis Ababa, supports Africa’s broader Blue Economy Strategy.
Objectives of the Fair
The event seeks to foster inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy development in the Horn of Africa by leveraging marine and aquatic resources for food security, economic growth, poverty reduction, and ecosystem sustainability. It also aims to strengthen regional cooperation and integration in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of achieving a prosperous and sustainable Africa.
Activities and Themes
Over the three-day event, participants will engage in exhibitions, regional project presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Topics to be addressed include biodiversity, blue tourism, financing the Blue Economy, and climate change. Field visits will also be part of the program.
The IGAD Secretariat announced that discussions at the fair will be documented in a comprehensive report, which will guide future policies and initiatives for sustainable Blue Economy development in the region.
Broader Context
The African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy, launched to promote sustainable development under the theme “Developing a sustainable Blue Economy: Increasing Momentum for Africa’s Blue Growth,” emphasizes the transformative potential of harnessing aquatic resources. This vision aligns with IGAD’s 5-year Blue Economy Strategy (2021–2025), which aims to foster economic transformation in the Horn of Africa by utilizing the region’s marine and inland water resources effectively.
IGAD Member States
Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Eritrea make up IGAD’s membership, reflecting a shared commitment to regional integration and sustainable development.
This initiative underscores IGAD’s dedication to advocating for inclusive growth and sustainable use of aquatic resources while strengthening collaboration among its member states.
