The Government of Zanzibar, in collaboration with REPOA, a policy research thinktank, and the National Planning Commission (NPC) and the CRDB Bank PLC, is pleased to announce the upcoming 29th Annual Research Workshop (ARW), which will be held in Zanzibar from 25-26 May 2026 under the theme: “Transforming the Blue Economy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Tanzania.”
Speaking at a pre-event press conference held in Zanzibar on Friday, 22nd May 2026 – Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Blue Economy & Fisheries in Zanzibar, Capt. Hamad Bakar Hamad, alongside REPOA’s Director of Strategic Research, Dr. Jamal Msami emphasized that the workshop comes at a crucial moment as the Union Government and that of Zanzibar continue strengthening policy, institutional, and investment frameworks to unlock opportunities within the blue economy sector.
The high-level workshop will convene policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from Tanzania and beyond to deliberate on innovative pathways for advancing the blue economy as a driver of sustainable economic transformation, employment creation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth.
Zanzibar has already taken significant steps through the establishment of major policy instruments, including the Zanzibar Blue Economy Policy and the Zanzibar Blue Economy Implementation Strategy.
The workshop will pursue the following three specific objectives:
The workshop will also provide an important platform for learning from global experiences and best practices in countries that have successfully advanced sustainable blue economy models. Case studies and policy lessons from Europe, Asia, and Africa-including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, and Indonesia-will inform discussions on marine governance, fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture, blue finance, and coastal resilience.
Attention will be given to innovative financing mechanisms that are increasingly shaping the global blue economy agenda. Discussions are expected to explore blue bonds, blended finance, public-private partnerships, climate finance, and investment frameworks that can support sustainable ocean-based economic activities while protecting marine ecosystems. The workshop will further examine how African coastal and island economies can leverage international cooperation and strategic partnerships to accelerate blue economy growth.
The 29th ARW is expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and foster deeper collaboration among Governments, research institutions, development partners, and investors. The workshop aims to generate practical recommendations that can support Tanzania’s broader development agenda while contributing to regional and global conversations on sustainable ocean governance.
As collaborating partners institutions for this workshop, we see tremendous opportunity and importance of research and policy dialogue in ensuring that blue economy initiatives create opportunities for communities, particularly youth and women, while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
