Kenya has welcomed the launch of the Sustainable Western Indian Ocean Programme (SWIOP), a €60 million flagship initiative aimed at strengthening ocean governance, promoting sustainable blue economy investments and protecting marine ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Speaking during the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho described the programme as a transformative initiative that will enhance regional cooperation, resilience and sustainable management of marine resources.
“Kenya is proud to be among the nine beneficiary countries and remains committed to ensuring that the programme’s impact extends across the entire Western Indian Ocean region, fostering shared prosperity, resilience and sustainable ocean stewardship.
Joho expressed gratitude to the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for supporting the programme, noting that Kenya is among nine beneficiary countries set to benefit from investments targeting ocean conservation and blue economy development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Costas Kadis and Andreas Schaumeyer in advancing the initiative.
The programme is expected to support sustainable use of marine resources, strengthen governance frameworks and unlock new economic opportunities for communities that depend on the ocean, while promoting long-term environmental stewardship across the region.
