Africa CoP

The GOAP Africa Community of Practice (ACoP) is a regional collaboration platform bringing together governments, international organisations and research institutions who are interested in learning about and developing ocean accounts in Africa.

The CoP is formally coordinated by IOC-Africa (UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States) and the GOAP Secretariat.

Objectives

• Build interest in, and commitment to developing ocean accounting in Africa
• Support countries with the development and implementation of ocean accounts
• Assist countries to mainstream ocean accounting (including ocean economic accounts) into ocean governance tools, and national development planning
• Provide a communication and collaboration platform for regional GOAP Members and local partners to engage in mutual capacity building and sharing of knowledge on ocean accounting
• Showcase how ocean accounts can support evidence-based decision-making and policy development to underpin the sustainable development of the ocean
• Demonstrate how information on the ocean and ocean resource-use can be utilised to produce statistics and indicators to aid sustainable development decision making
• Promote learning, science diplomacy and the creation of new knowledge to advance the development and uptake of ocean accounting in Africa

Africa Vision Strategy

Ocean Accounting Projects in Africa

The GOAP currently supports pilot ocean accounting projects in Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar and Ghana.

• South Africa Ocean Accounts - Table Bay pilot study

Timeline

1 September 2025 | Africa Community of Practice Meeting | Online

Over 72 Africa CoP collaborators met to discuss ocean accounting progress across the continent and important upcoming events which can serve to advance ocean accounts and sustainable ocean development across the continent.

Key outcomes:

• Growing leadership: Since the launch of the Africa CoP in 2022, the collaborative platform has grown significantly under the leadership of Prof. Ken Findlay through his work at Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Centre for Sustainable Oceans and Afriseas Solutions. Now, for the first time, a regional CoP is to be adopted by a regional multilateral ocean development organisation - IOC-Africa - who will formally co-coordinate the CoP with the GOAP Secretariat.
• Resources and knowledge products: New online platforms and educational materials are being developed to support ocean accounting initiatives across the continent
• Regional progress: Participants shared inspiring updates on ocean accounting projects from various African nations, demonstrating the growing integration of ocean accounts into national development frameworks

26-27 November 2024 | Africa Community of Practice Dialogue | Port Elizabeth, South Africa

The Africa Dialogue brought together over 50 scientists, economists, statisticians, and public servants from 7 coastal countries to progress ocean accounting as a key governance instrument for ocean sustainable development in Africa. Attendees discussed innovative methods and approaches to strengthen the uptake of ocean accounts for ocean governance, blue financing, social accounting, among others.

The Africa Dialogue was organised and hosted by the South African National Research Foundation (SAEON - NRF), Ocean Accounts Framework Community of Practice at Nelson Mandela University’s Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Afriseas Solutions, and members of the GOAP Africa Community of Practice. This event was co-funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government.

1-5 July 2024 | Africa Community of Practice Knowledge Exchange and Working Lunch | Bali, Indonesia

At the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development in Indonesia, the Africa CoP convened during several regional events including a regional Knowledge Exchange and a Working Lunch. Members of the African CoP provided statements and perspectives to support the development of a draft Africa Ocean Accounts Strategy, outlining priorities to 2030.

23-24 March 2022 | The First Africa Dialogue on Ocean Accounting | Online

This event introduced stakeholders in the region to ocean accounting and its potential use as an ocean governance tool. Presenters showcased ocean accounts pilot projects from the region and around the world, highlighting the challenges and successes. A Position Paper was developed in preparation for the 3rd Global Dialogue on Ocean Accounting.

Resources

• GOAP ACoP Position paper: Ocean Accounting in Africa
• Policy brief on opportunities for ocean accounting in Africa: Ocean Accounts - A Sea Change Approach in Ocean Decision Making
• Website: West Indian Ocean Governance Exchange Network
• Website: Africa Natural Capital Accounting Community of Practice
• Introductory webinar: African NCA Community of Practice Webinar: Ocean Accounting

GOAP Members in Africa

Any organisation or individual can join the Africa Community of Practice without the need to be, or obligation to become, a GOAP Member. The CoP welcomes any and all interested individuals and organisations.

Contact

For more information about the Africa CoP, for assistance with your ocean accounting projects, or for collaboration opportunities, please contact the GOAP Secretariat at info@oceanaccounts.org.