Mombasa: The European Union (EU), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and their implementing partners, today launched the Sustainable Western Indian Ocean Programme (SWIOP) during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya. The programme aims to strengthen ocean governance, catalyse sustainable blue economy investment, and enhance marine ecosystems resilience in the Western Indian Ocean. According to European Union, over 60 million people in the region depend on coastal and marine ecosystems for food, livelihoods, and development. However, climate change, unsustainable practices, and increasing pressure on these ecosystems jeopardize these vital resources. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing alone costs the region more than £214 million annually, depleting shared fish stocks and depriving coastal communities of income and food security. Additionally, fewer than one-third of small and medium enterprises can access formal finance, and the lack of robust investment pipelines and innovative financing solutions continues to hinder the growth of sustainable blue businesses. SWIOP seeks to address these challenges by promoting sustainable, productive, and climate-resilient governance of the Western Indian Ocean while strengthening regional cooperation and advancing environmental and economic resilience. The programme leverages regional cooperation to unlock the economic potential of a sustainable blue economy for enterprises and communities while safeguarding ocean ecosystems. The European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, stated, "This programme embodies the spirit of Global Gateway: a partnership of equals that turns common challenges into shared opportunities. By strengthening ocean governance, supporting sustainable fisheries, and catalysing investment, we are helping unlock the potential of the Western Indian Ocean while protecting its ecosystems for generations to come." Andreas Schaumayer, Head of Department for Food Security a nd Fisheries at BMZ, emphasized the importance of development cooperation, stating that SWIOP reflects a shared regional ambition to strengthen cooperation in the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources while advancing an inclusive blue economy. Through the Team Europe approach, Germany and the European Union are supporting food security, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and healthy marine ecosystems. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, also welcomed the initiative, noting, "This programme arrives at an opportune moment. No country can realise the full potential of the blue economy in isolation. Ocean ecosystems and maritime trade flows do not stop at national borders. Effective governance, resilient supply chains, and sustainable investments therefore demand regional cooperation. Cooperation multiplies impact, spreads risks, builds resilience, and unlocks finance and technology." SWIOP is the EU's flagship initiative under th e Global Gateway strategy for advancing ocean governance, sustainable blue economy development, and ecosystem resilience in the Western Indian Ocean. The £60.5 million programme, funded by the EU (£58 million) and co-funded by BMZ (£2.5 million), will be implemented over five years across nine countries: Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, and Tanzania. It is executed by the Nairobi Convention, European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and Expertise France.
- June 24, 2026