Zanzibar, Tanzania — The Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar and The Jahazi Project, in partnership with Ascending Africa, have announced a new collaboration to co-host the Blue Voices Regional Summit 2026.

Scheduled for 26 to 28 January 2026, the three-day convening will bring together regional governments, including Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, to advance African-led ocean governance and strengthen coordinated action against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) across the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO).


The partnership places a strong focus on the shared priorities of Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. These countries continue to face growing pressure on marine resources, and the Summit aims to build a united regional response rooted in cooperation, transparency, and practical enforcement. Under the theme One Ocean, One Voice, the Summit will build on the existing best practices and regional instruments to advance regional cooperation in the South West Indian Ocean region.


The government of Zanzibar noted that the Summit’s theme, One Ocean, One Voice, reflects Zanzibar’s long-term strategy for a strong and sustainable blue economy. It emphasised that the challenges faced in the region are shared ones and that progress will depend on deeper collaboration. 


“Zanzibar is committed to working closely with the neighbours across SWIO to protect our shared ocean space. This Summit gives us a platform to build real momentum in the fight against illegal fishing. Strong regional cooperation is the most effective tool we have. Together we can safeguard our marine resources and support the communities that depend on them, ” said Captain (N) Hamad Bakar Hamad, Principal Secretary, Ministry of the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar.


Delegates from Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are expected to strengthen commitments to enhance information sharing, modernised monitoring and surveillance, and more aligned regulatory frameworks.


 Governments will use the summit to advance practical solutions, including joint action plans, improved communication channels, and consistent enforcement standards across borders.


Michael Mallya, spokesperson for The Jahazi Project, emphasized that the convening is a pivotal moment in elevating African leadership in ocean governance. He noted that IUUF persists where systems are fragmented, data remains siloed, and collective enforcement is weak.


“This Summit signals a new chapter for East African ocean governance. Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are stepping forward with a clear and united voice. Illegal fishing thrives when systems are disconnected, but cooperation changes the equation. By aligning our efforts and strengthening our enforcement, we take ownership of our waters and our future.” Michael Mallya, spokesperson for The Jahazi Project, said.


Blue economy and fisheries stakeholders across the region view the Summit as a critical opportunity to build on existing regional commitments and ratifications, shaping a long-term framework for cooperative ocean governance.


 By reinforcing the shared commitment of Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar to protecting marine ecosystems, the Summit aims to advance a more unified and resilient approach to ocean management that delivers enduring environmental and socio-economic benefits for coastal communities throughout the South West Indian Ocean.