The Summit brings a renewed regional push to strengthen ocean governance and intensify collective action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region.
Ministers and senior officials from responsible ministries in Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar have gathered for the Summit, which is expected to shape the next phase of regional cooperation on ocean protection, enforcement coordination, and long-term sustainability of shared marine resources.
Over the next three days, discussions will prioritise practical outcomes and implementation. Leaders will address improved information sharing on vessel activity, stronger coordination of enforcement efforts, and the modernisation of monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems across the region.
The Summit is co-hosted by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar and Ascending Africa through The Jahazi Project, which has championed stronger African leadership in ocean governance.
By the close of the Summit on Wednesday, participating countries will outline joint action roadmaps, reaffirm political commitment to regional cooperation, and agree on continued technical coordination beyond the conference. The Blue Voices Regional Summit is designed to translate long-standing commitments into concrete steps that strengthen enforcement and protect shared ocean resources.
Speaking to the media a few days before the event, Captain (N) Hamad Bakar Hamad, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Fisheries, said the meeting sends a strong signal about regional unity.
“This Summit brings together Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar at a decisive moment,” he said. “Illegal fishing does not respect borders, and our response must be collective. Zanzibar is proud to host this gathering and to help advance a shared regional approach to safeguarding our ocean,” he insisted.
Michael Mallya, spokesperson for The Jahazi Project, said the focus of the week is firmly on implementation.
“The Blue Voices Regional Summit is about turning cooperation into action,” he said. “Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are aligning their efforts to strengthen enforcement and close coordination gaps. When the region acts together, it sends a clear message that our seas will be protected.”
As the Blue Voices Regional Summit unfolds, expectations are high that it will mark a turning point in how the region approaches ocean governance.
For Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, the message from Zanzibar this week is clear. Safeguarding the ocean demands collective responsibility, unified leadership, and enduring regional cooperation.
About The Jahazi Project
The Jahazi Project, led by Ascending Africa, is a regional initiative dedicated to revitalizing East Africa’s Blue Economy while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of its marine resources. Drawing on the cultural symbolism of the dhow, the project unites heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity in pursuit of a thriving, resilient coastline. Central to this effort is the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities and undermines sustainable development across the region.
About Ascending Africa
Ascending Africa is a Pan-African organization committed to fostering sustainable development across the continent, focusing on environmental preservation, community empowerment, and economic growth.
About the Government of Zanzibar & the Blue Economy Vision
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago of the United Republic of Tanzania, strategically located in the South West Indian Ocean and historically recognised as a hub for maritime trade and regional cooperation. Guided by a forward-looking Blue Economy Policy, Zanzibar views the ocean as a cornerstone of sustainable development, livelihoods, and regional stability. The Government of Zanzibar is committed to strengthening ocean governance, combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promoting environmental stewardship through regional collaboration.
This vision underpins Zanzibar’s leadership in convening the Blue Voices Regional Summit 2026 under the theme One Ocean, One Voice, positioning the archipelago as a centre of excellence for sustainable blue economy cooperation in the SWIO region.
For More Information
Visit The Jahazi Project and Ascending Africa websites to learn more about these initiatives.
Media Contact
Name: Michael Mallya
Title: The Jahazi Project’s Spokesperson
Email: michael.mallya@jahaziproject.org
Phone Number: +255789147255