Analyses & Studies

Article | Economic Letter: East Africa and the Indian Ocean - June 2025

We are pleased to share insights from the French Treasury, offering economic analysis and sector-focused reports.

The French Treasury (Direction générale du Trésor), part of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, publishes Economic Letters through its regional Economic Services to provide in-depth sectoral analysis and highlight strategic trends and investment opportunities in partner countries.

This edition focuses on the blue economy in East Africa and the Indian Ocean in the context of the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3). It analyses how countries in the region are seeking to leverage their maritime assets, including vast Exclusive Economic Zones, strategic ports such as Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Djibouti, and strong fisheries and tourism sectors, to drive sustainable growth.

The report highlights significant disparities across the region. While countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania have adopted national strategies and strengthened marine protection efforts, others face persistent challenges related to governance, limited financing, illegal fishing, pollution and climate vulnerability. Environmental pressures, including coral bleaching, coastal erosion and plastic waste, further threaten marine ecosystems and long-term economic prospects.

International partners play a key role in supporting the sector. France, through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and other operators, contributes to projects in marine conservation, port infrastructure and sustainable fisheries, alongside multilateral institutions.

Overall, the Letter underlines that the blue economy represents a major strategic opportunity for the region, but its sustainable development will depend on stronger governance, increased investment, improved regional coordination and greater climate resilience.