Abidjan Convention makes strides to address financial challenges

Abidjan Convention executive secretary Fatou Ndoye says the convention has made strides to address the funding challenges it is currently facing.

Ndoye told The Namibian last week that the Abidjan Convention’s 14th Conference of Parties (COP 14) in May last year adopted decisions renewing financial commitments to strengthen the secretariat, and several member states have since honoured their obligations by paying contributions.

“This is a positive signal of continued ownership and support of the convention. At the same time, the secretariat has intensified follow-up with parties on outstanding contributions as agreed at the COP 14.

“These efforts are ongoing and while challenges remain, there has been progress since May 2025,” said Ndoye.

Namibia is a party to the 1981 Abidjan Convention. Key objectives of the convention are to prevent, reduce and control pollution from shipping, land-based sources and sea-bed activities while promoting sustainable resources management.