Ocean governance is crucial for Africa's coasts and high seas, impacting fisheries, climate processes, and food security. Recent negotiations are reshaping global ocean governance, focusing on ownership, seafloor governance, decarbonization of shipping, and ending plastic pollution. The High Seas Treaty, focusing on marine biodiversity, entered into force in January. The International Seabed Authority is negotiating deep-sea mining rules, while the IMO's Net-Zero Framework aims to redesign the shipping industry. The collapse of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty poses challenges, with Africa's involvement critical for the continent's fisheries and blue economy. The Great Blue Wall initiative in the Western Indian Ocean has shown progress in restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, creating jobs, and improving climate resilience. However, global governance is crucial for its success, especially in the context of high-seas Marine Protected Areas and deep-sea mining. African states must shape these governance frameworks to protect their interests. Climate-induced declines in ocean health could cost the global economy billions by 2050, with African coastal states particularly vulnerable. Coordinated action is needed to regulate plastics, decarbonize shipping, and pause deep-sea mining for a well-governed ocean that benefits Africa.
https://africanclimatewire.org/2026/07/we-need-more-of-africa-in-global-ocean-governance/