The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has launched its first continental programme dedicated to Africa's island economies, bringing together seven island nations under a five-year framework aimed at tackling climate change, strengthening trade and transport links, and creating new economic opportunities.
The Programme for African Developing Island Economies will include Cabo Verde, the Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles, and will run from 2026 to 2031.
The programme is designed to address challenges that mainland African countries do not always face. While the island states have ocean resources, they also have small domestic markets, limited transport connections, and economies that are highly vulnerable to climate change.
The initiative is built around six priority areas: blue economy and ocean stewardship, climate resilience and adaptation, sustainable energy and water, connectivity and AfCFTA integration, youth employment and skills, and digital transformation. It also encourages investment in industrialisation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and the knowledge economy to help diversify island economies beyond traditional industries.
Originally published by African Business.