The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Somalia signed a pact to establish a regional center on blue economy in Mogadishu on Monday.
The agreement aims to promote sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyeh met with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to discuss regional peace, security, and climate change.
Gebeyeh emphasized the importance of strengthening the IGAD-Somalia partnership and welcomed Somalia’s contribution to regional cohesion and integration.
The blue economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources, is seen as a key driver for economic development in the region.
The establishment of the regional center is expected to play a crucial role in promoting the blue economy agenda in Somalia and the wider IGAD region.