Africa’s Ocean Sustainability Summits
Africa’s Ocean Sustainability Summits: Charting a Course for a Sustainable Blue Economy
In 2025, Africa has emerged as a pivotal player in global ocean sustainability, hosting a series of high-profile summits aimed at fostering a regenerative blue economy. These gatherings have underscored the continent’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance, innovation, and international collaboration.
Ocean Innovation Africa 2025: A Pan-African Vision
From February 24 to 28, 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, hosted the sixth edition of Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA2025). This summit marked a significant evolution by expanding beyond its traditional base in Cape Town, reflecting a pan-African vision for ocean sustainability. OIA2025 introduced the Regenerative Ocean Week (ROW), a collaborative platform developed in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Ocean & Climate Platform (OCP). The event focused on transforming scientific research into practical solutions, bridging the gap between science, entrepreneurship, and policy-making. Key outcomes included the launch of the Bahari Accelerator, designed to support ocean entrepreneurs, and the unveiling of the Dar es Salaam Declaration, which sets a clear vision for investment and innovation in Africa’s blue economy. (ocean-innovation.africa)
IOCAFRICA-VIII: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
In May 2025, Mombasa, Kenya, became the focal point for Africa’s ocean leaders during the Eighth Session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA-VIII). This session provided a strategic platform to review progress, coordinate priorities, and strengthen regional cooperation in ocean science and policy. Held at the midpoint of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the event aimed to align African regional ocean initiatives with global sustainable ocean goals. Discussions emphasized capacity development, enhancement of data and observation systems, and amplification of African leadership in ocean governance. (unesco.org)
South Africa’s Leadership in Global Climate Initiatives
As the holder of the G20 Presidency in 2025, South Africa has been at the forefront of global efforts on ocean sustainability. In April, Cape Town hosted the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO), bringing together experts to address the unique atmospheric and oceanic challenges of the Southern Hemisphere. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, highlighted the urgent need for scientific collaboration to combat escalating climate threats. (sanews.gov.za)
In June, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, represented South Africa at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. During the conference, he signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to global ocean governance. Additionally, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) participated in high-level discussions on Underwater Radiated Noise (URN), emphasizing the socio-economic impacts on marine life and coastal communities. (gov.za)
Looking Ahead: G20 Johannesburg Summit
The momentum for ocean sustainability is set to continue as Johannesburg prepares to host the 20th G20 Summit in November 2025. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the summit aims to place Africa’s development at the forefront of the global agenda, with a strong emphasis on sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy. (en.wikipedia.org)
These summits collectively highlight Africa’s proactive approach to ocean sustainability, showcasing the continent’s dedication to fostering a regenerative blue economy through innovation, collaboration, and strategic policy-making.
