Africa’s marine and coastal resources and biodiversity are essential to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. Growth of the sustainable blue economy has emerged as a priority across the region to generate development and prosperity.

This publication assesses the extent to which commitments to ocean action generated through the international Our Ocean Conference have been implemented in Africa, and the enabling factors and barriers that influence their effectiveness. Since 2014, a total of 364 OOC commitments have been made across the continent, equivalent to $14.3 billion in pledged ocean finance. We identify successful commitment case studies across governance scales and subregions, and present policy recommendations to strengthen ocean action and investment.

Africa is home to critical ocean biodiversity and ecosystems, growing technical expertise, a dynamic young population, and a demonstrated record of delivering on its commitments. Increasing African-led commitments, strengthening finance pipelines, equalizing relationships with partners, and elevating regional innovation will be essential to furthering ocean solutions on the continent. With deliberate investment, coordinated policy, and equitable partnerships, Africa is positioned not only to safeguard its marine ecosystems but also to shape the next era of global ocean governance.

Key Findings

  • The ocean underpins biodiversity, economic prosperity, food security, and cultural heritage across Africa. This working paper assesses the implementation of Our Ocean Conference (OOC) commitments to ocean action in the region to understand how they translate into real ocean conservation, restoration, knowledge, capacity, and investment outcomes.
  • Since 2014, the OOC has mobilized 364 commitments across the continent, equivalent to a collective financial pledge of US$14.3 billion. This has created a legacy of ocean impact, with approximately 78 percent of commitments complete or in progress and up to $5.8 billion in delivered finance.
  • Commitment implementation is strongest in the sustainable fisheries, maritime security, and sustainable blue economy action areas, reflecting regional priorities. Opportunities remain to accelerate the delivery and implementation of outstanding pledges and deliver new commitments that fill specific regional and thematic gaps.
  • As African leadership in global environmental policy grows, there is a significant opportunity for the continent to elevate and deliver on its ocean priorities. Increasing engagement and African-led commitment mobilization, particularly by governments and private sector partners, should be a priority as OOC enters its second decade.