Spotlight: Ensuring Africa gains from the BBNJ ocean governance treaty

ISS is supporting African governments to implement the landmark global treaty and unlock vast untapped development potential.

Published on 21 May 2026 in Impact

The oceans are vital to planetary health and human wellbeing, and marine ecosystems are a source of food for millions of people. Yet the oceans on which Africa depends are at risk from climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, over-fishing and deep-sea mining. These pressures are particularly acute in vast areas beyond national jurisdiction, where ocean spaces have historically been poorly regulated.

The new Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty governs the high seas and international seabed area beyond national waters. It aims to protect biodiversity through marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.

The BBNJ falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and covers about two‑thirds of the ocean and more than 40% of the planet’s surface.

Institute for Security Studies (ISS) maritime and climate Researcher David Willima is working with African governments to ensure the continent shapes and benefits from the BBNJ. He has been seconded to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support implementation of the treaty, which entered into force in January 2026 and fills major governance and regulatory gaps.

‘The ISS will help Africa to exercise real agency in how the BBNJ Treaty is implemented,’ says Justice Thembile Elphus Joyini, a judge on the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea. ‘The ISS is respected and influential, and we have collaborated with the institute since 2022.’

With its 38 coastal states, the continent has a significant role in shaping global ocean governance. Implementing the BBNJ would have many benefits for African countries. But only those that ratify the treaty get full access to its financial mechanisms, capacity building, technology transfer and the benefits of marine genetic resources.

‘Through its long-term engagement with the African Union’s ocean and maritime security agenda, ISS has emerged as one of the most trusted partners on ocean governance,’ says Barkha Mossaë, Regenerative Blue Economy Manager from the Coastal and Ocean Resilience Programme in IUCN’s Eastern and Southern Africa Region Office.

The IUCN secondment recognises ISS’ ability to work across national and international policy on ocean governance

‘ISS research is context-specific, objective, evidence-based and impartial. Its experience, knowledge and contacts will help us to increase African agency in global ocean governance and ensure long-term benefits for all Africans.’

Willima has worked on the BBNJ since 2022. His IUCN secondment recognises ISS’ ability to work across national and international policy on ocean governance, maritime security and climate change.

He will help African states understand the treaty, its obligations and benefits and how it aligns with existing ocean governance frameworks, such as the Nairobi and Abidjan conventions. Willima will demonstrate to policymakers and political leaders how ratification serves Africa’s security, economic and ecological interests.

His work includes helping countries align national laws and regulations with the BBNJ, in consultation with policy think tanks, academia, youth groups, coastal communities and indigenous groups.

The secondment is a testament to the depth and durability of the institutional partnership between IUCN and the ISS, reflecting years of collaboration on ocean governance. More recently, the partnership helped shape and support the development and implementation of the BBNJ Treaty.

‘Africa’s oceans have vast untapped development potential,’ says Willima. ‘The treaty is a concrete opportunity to turn that potential into lasting gains. The continent is disproportionately affected by climate change and illegal fishing, so greater African involvement is crucial in bringing the agreement into force.’

‘African states can better safeguard their marine ecosystems and ocean resources while building on the continent’s long-standing contribution to the development of UNCLOS and its broader legacy of leadership in ocean governance.’

For more information, contact:

David Willima, ISS: [email protected]