East Africa Launches Major Blue Economy Campaign

East Africa Launches Campaign to Revitalize the Blue Economy

March 13, 2025

A major initiative aimed at restoring and strengthening East Africa’s blue economy has been launched by Ascending Africa. The campaign, known as 'Kilindini', seeks to promote the sustainable management of marine resources, empower coastal communities, and combat illegal activities that threaten the Southwest Indian Ocean.

The name Kilindini, derived from Swahili, translates to deep waters and symbolizes the region’s rich maritime heritage, deeply intertwined with culture, trade, and economic activity.

Urgent Call for Action

Speaking at the campaign’s launch in Nairobi, Tendai Mtana, the campaign’s spokesperson, underscored the need for immediate intervention.

“The blue economy of East Africa has immense untapped potential to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve marine life. Through this initiative, we aim to restore balance, empower coastal communities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our oceans,” said Mtana.

Addressing Major Challenges

The Kilindini Campaign is designed to tackle pressing threats to the sustainability of the Southwest Indian Ocean’s resources.

One of the most severe challenges is Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF), which results in an estimated annual loss of over $415 million in the region. This exploitation significantly depletes fish stocks vital for coastal livelihoods.

Moreover, IUUF is linked to serious crimes, including human trafficking and smuggling, raising security concerns across maritime routes. Overfishing and climate change have exacerbated the decline in fish populations, threatening food security and economic stability.

Pollution, coral reef degradation, and the destruction of marine habitats further weaken fragile ecosystems. Protecting mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

Additionally, as a key global maritime trade corridor, the Southwest Indian Ocean faces rising threats of piracy, illicit trafficking, and unsustainable fishing, jeopardizing economic interests at both regional and international levels.

Strategic Solutions and Regional Cooperation

To counter these challenges, the Kilindini Campaign is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes fishing regulations, seasonal bans, and conservation programs to restore fish stocks and secure the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of this effort, with training programs designed to promote sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation initiatives.

Collaboration between East African nations is essential to effectively tackling shared maritime challenges. The campaign will also leverage cutting-edge technologies such as satellite monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI) for fish migration tracking, and drone surveillance to enhance enforcement and maritime security.

“The future of East Africa’s blue economy is not just a regional issue—it is a global priority,” Mtana emphasized. He urged governments, organizations, and individuals to take action by investing in technology, supporting community-led conservation efforts, and advocating for robust marine policies.