Active engagement on three initiatives could see Africa’s needs reflected in global ocean governance decisions.
In 2022, global ocean governance took a major leap forward. That “super year” included the World Trade Organization (WTO) ban on harmful fisheries subsidies, progress to secure agreement on the United Nations (UN) High Seas Treaty, the second UN Ocean Conference, and the adoption of ambitious ocean conservation targets.
With its 38 coastal states, Africa could be a significant player in shaping these determined steps to better global ocean governance — but its current approach lacks consistency across issues and projects.
This could change if African countries lend their weight to three key initiatives — making 2025 a “super year” for the continent. These are the High Seas Treaty (Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction or BBNJ Treaty), deep-sea mining regulations, and the WTO fisheries subsidies agreement.
First, implementing the High Seas Treaty would have numerous potential benefits for African states, from shared marine genetic resources to technology transfer and capacity-building opportunities. Adopted in June 2024, the treaty protects marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering more than 60% of the ocean surface.
Sixty ratifications needed
So far, only two out of 55 African countries (Seychelles…
