Can Central Africa turn its vast ocean resources into stronger economic opportunities for coastal communities? A €42 million regional programme is seeking to advance that ambition by connecting maritime conservation with investment, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods across six countries.
Known as the Sustainable Ocean and Blue Economy in Central Africa programme (ODEBAC), the initiative covers Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe. Supported by the European Union, it is designed to strengthen maritime governance, promote sustainable fisheries and develop economic activities linked to the region’s coastal and marine resources.
The programme’s implementation priorities were further discussed at a meeting of its Strategic Steering Committee in Libreville, Gabon, on November 9, 2026. The gathering brought together the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the European Union and programme partners to clarify responsibilities, coordinate activities and advance project preparation.
With funding of approximately €42 million, equivalent to about 27.55 billion CFA francs, ODEBAC is structured around twelve thematic projects and three broad priorities: maritime governance, blue economy development and the protection of coastal ecosystems.
A dedicated Blue Economy Facility is expected to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives and civil-society organisations developing sustainable projects. This is particularly important because the region’s blue economy potential extends beyond large-scale maritime infrastructure to include smaller businesses operating in fisheries, fish processing, aquaculture and coastal tourism.
For communities whose livelihoods depend on marine resources, these sectors can create employment, strengthen local supply chains and expand opportunities for entrepreneurship. Improving fish processing and storage, for example, can reduce post-harvest losses while allowing local businesses to reach wider markets and retain more value within their economies.
Regional cooperation is another important dimension of the initiative. Marine ecosystems, fishing activities and maritime trade do not stop at national borders. Illegal fishing, environmental degradation and weak maritime oversight can therefore affect several countries simultaneously. Stronger information-sharing arrangements and coordinated maritime governance can help participating governments manage these shared challenges more effectively.
Gabon has also positioned the blue economy as part of its broader economic diversification ambitions, particularly as it seeks to strengthen activities beyond traditional oil and mineral exports. The regional programme offers an opportunity to connect this national ambition with wider Central African cooperation.
Nevertheless, the availability of funding does not automatically guarantee successful implementation. The programme must translate its priorities into viable projects, strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that financing reaches businesses and coastal communities. Local enterprises will also require technical support, access to markets and appropriate financial products to build sustainable operations.
The November meeting focused on coordination and implementation arrangements, with an initial portfolio of actions expected to be validated in the first quarter of 2027. A joint monitoring mechanism is also being developed to assess progress and resource utilisation.
For Central Africa, ODEBAC represents an opportunity to treat ocean resources as an important foundation for economic diversification rather than solely as environmental assets. Its long-term success will depend on whether regional cooperation produces sustainable businesses, stronger coastal livelihoods and better protection of the marine ecosystems that support them.
