Africa’s coasts and fishing grounds feed millions. A new grant round wants projects to protect them. It is open to 21 African countries.
The Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator has opened its second round. Grants run from £20,000 to £50,000 per project. Between 10 and 15 projects will be chosen by mid-2027. The lead applicant must be a government body, such as a ministry or agency. Community groups, researchers and firms can join as partners. Apply by 11 December 2026, 23:59 GMT.
All 56 Commonwealth members can apply. Each may send up to two bids. In Africa, that means Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.
Projects can last 6 to 18 months. They must back the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and fit national goals. They can cover five areas: less sea pollution, restored mangroves and reefs, a sustainable blue economy, better fisheries, and ocean action on climate, including blue carbon.
The Incubator helps countries start early projects and draw in bigger money later. It also wants Indigenous Peoples, local communities, youth and women at the centre of ocean decisions. That makes partners vital. Non-government groups are urged to join a bid, but they cannot lead one.
The money comes in layers. A Commonwealth fund gives core support to all members. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation backs South Asia and the Pacific islands. The CAF development bank backs the Caribbean. The page names no dedicated African pot. Earlier grants did reach projects in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Applicants fill in an online grant form. A Word version is available to draft answers first. Send questions to the contact on the official page.
Why it matters: Many African economies lean on the sea for food, jobs and trade. Grants this size are small next to the problem. But they can fund a first pilot, and a pilot often unlocks bigger money. Firms, researchers and community groups need a government lead to carry a bid, so start talks now.
What to watch next: which African governments put in bids before 11 December, which partners they bring, and which 10 to 15 projects are named by mid-2027.
Sources: Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator Round II, The Commonwealth; MSME Africa Online on the call; The Commonwealth on its ocean alliance with the Prince Albert II Foundation; Wikipedia on Commonwealth member states.
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