UN 
As Tuesday dawned over a humid Mombasa port, delegates wrapped up the Our Ocean Conference without addressing the mounting expansion of offshore oil and gas licensing. Despite vocal calls from groups such as Ocean Protect Africa and senior researchers from the Nairobi-based Blue Economy Institute, the final communique did not mention new fossil fuel projects—a notable omission given Kenya’s recent licensing round for offshore exploration blocks.
On the conference sidelines, campaigners distributed data showing that over 20 new offshore drilling projects have been approved across East and Southern Africa since January. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) flagged that these developments overlap with 18% of the region’s proposed marine protected areas, undermining SDG 14 (Life Below Water) targets for 2030.
Government representatives from Mozambique and Tanzania, both fresh from negotiating with international oil majors, argued that offshore resource revenues are critical for economic stability. However, a June survey by the African Centre for Renewable Energy found that 61% of Mombasa residents support a moratorium on new offshore drilling, citing threats to tourism and fisheries. The disconnect between national policy and local sentiment was palpable during Friday’s panel on coastal livelihoods, where several small-scale fishers voiced frustration at being excluded from the negotiation process.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which co-hosted the event, declined to comment on the omission, instead emphasizing commitments to expand marine protected areas by 10% by the end of 2026. Critics, including Dr. Njeri Mwangi of the Coastal Conservation Network, labeled the summit outcome ‘a diplomatic sidestep’, warning of reputational risks for governments touting blue economy leadership while quietly advancing fossil fuel deals.
With the next round of global marine policy talks set for Cape Town later this season, pressure is mounting for African governments to clarify their stance on offshore hydrocarbons. For now, the Mombasa summit’s silence has left many sustainability professionals questioning the region’s alignment with SDG 14 and the Paris Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criticism did the Mombasa Our Ocean Conference face?
The conference was criticized for not addressing the recent surge in offshore oil and gas expansion, despite concerns from conservationists and local communities.
How many new offshore drilling projects have been approved in East and Southern Africa since January?
Over 20 new offshore drilling projects have been approved in East and Southern Africa since January.
Do new offshore drilling projects overlap with proposed marine protected areas?
Yes, according to IUCN, these developments overlap with 18% of the region’s proposed marine protected areas.
What percentage of Mombasa residents support a moratorium on new offshore drilling?
A June survey found that 61% of Mombasa residents support a moratorium on new offshore drilling.
Did the conference address new fossil fuel projects in its final communique?
No, the conference’s final communique omitted any mention of new fossil fuel projects despite recent licensing rounds in Kenya.
