Africa’s first Our Ocean Conference raises $6.4 billion in pledges
More than 100 governments and organisations made 320 commitments in Mombasa, including $1 billion from Kenya.
Key points
- Kenya hosted the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa on 16–18 June 2026, the first held in Africa.
- More than 100 governments, businesses and civil society groups announced 320 commitments worth $6.4 billion for ocean action.
- Kenya made 42 commitments worth about $1 billion, and a “Mombasa Declaration” committed signatories to transparency on fishing vessel ownership.
Kenya hosted the first Our Ocean Conference held in Africa in Mombasa from 16 to 18 June 2026. The eleventh edition of the conference ended with 320 new commitments worth $6.4 billion for ocean action.
The theme was "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future".
Who pledged what
- More than 100 governments, businesses and civil society organisations made commitments on ocean conservation, sustainable fishing, climate resilience and the blue economy.
- As host, Kenya made 42 commitments worth about $1 billion, including expanding marine protected areas and strengthening fisheries monitoring.
- The World Bank announced plans to invest $1 billion over two years to help developing countries build blue economies.
- Canada pledged $682 million for its small craft harbours programme.
The Mombasa Declaration
Signatories to the "Mombasa Declaration" committed to publish information on who owns fishing vessels, where they operate and whether they follow the rules. That kind of transparency is seen as key to fighting illegal fishing, which costs coastal countries, including many in Africa, heavily.
Why it matters
Africa's coastlines and fisheries support millions of livelihoods. Hosting the conference put African priorities, such as protecting small-scale fishers and building the blue economy, at the centre of global ocean talks.
Sources
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