Deadline: January 30, 2026
The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) has opened its call for proposals, offering up to €10 million in grant funding to promote sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources across 13 West African countries. This initiative represents one of the most significant regional efforts to strengthen ocean governance, empower coastal communities, and support the development of a thriving Blue Economy in West Africa.
Overview of the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP)
The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) is a flagship regional initiative financed by the European Union (EU) to enhance the sustainable management of ocean and coastal resources. It covers 13 coastal countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
WASOP operates over five years and brings together diverse partners such as regional organizations, public institutions, private-sector actors, and civil society organizations to create a lasting impact on marine governance and livelihoods.
Key Objectives of WASOP
The programme is built around three main pillars, each designed to strengthen sustainability and resilience in the region’s coastal and marine ecosystems:
1. Ocean Governance & Sustainable Fisheries
- Strengthening regional cooperation on shared fisheries resources.
- Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Supporting improved policies and monitoring mechanisms for sustainable fishing practices.
2. Sustainable Blue Economy
- Promoting private-sector participation in sustainable ocean-based industries.
- Creating inclusive economic growth through marine and coastal opportunities such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, and marine technologies.
- Enhancing livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
3. Marine & Coastal Ecosystem Protection and Restoration
- Establishing and expanding marine protected areas (MPAs).
- Supporting ecosystem restoration projects and community-driven conservation efforts.
- Increasing resilience to climate change and environmental degradation.
The total programme budget stands at €59 million, making it a cornerstone for ocean sustainability and coastal development in the region.
The €10 Million Grant Call
Under the Blue Economy pillar, WASOP has launched a €10 million Call for Proposals to fund pilot projects aimed at advancing ocean sustainability and innovation in West Africa.
Eligible Sectors
The grant targets a broad range of projects, including:
- Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture initiatives.
- Coastal and marine ecosystem protection.
- Climate-resilient ocean and coastal innovations.
- Pollution reduction and circular economy projects.
- Eco-tourism and coastal livelihood development.
- Technological solutions for ocean monitoring and management.
- Capacity-building and private-sector engagement in the blue economy.
Eligible Applicants
Organizations eligible to apply include:
- Private-sector companies and cooperatives.
- Non-profit organizations, NGOs, and foundations.
- Social enterprises and associations operating in or supporting West African coastal areas.
Grant Amount
- Grants range from €1 million to €4 million per project.
- Funding covers 75% to 100% of eligible project costs, depending on the project scope and applicant type.
Timeline
- Concept Note Submission Deadline: 30 January 2026 (UTC+1)
- An information webinar for prospective applicants was scheduled for 9 December 2025.
Applications and project management are coordinated through Expertise France, the lead implementing agency for WASOP.
Importance of the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP)
West Africa’s ocean and coastal resources are vital to food security, trade, and livelihoods. However, overfishing, pollution, illegal fishing activities, and climate impacts have severely threatened the region’s marine ecosystems.
WASOP seeks to reverse these trends by fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue economy that benefits both people and the planet. For countries like Nigeria, where coastal communities depend heavily on marine resources, this programme represents a strategic opportunity to restore ecosystems while unlocking new economic potential.
Opportunities for West African Stakeholders
This grant call presents a significant opportunity for stakeholders — from local NGOs and social enterprises to innovative startups and private-sector companies — to secure substantial funding for impactful, scalable ocean-based initiatives.
If your organization operates within sectors such as marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, eco-tourism, waste management, or ocean innovation, this is the perfect time to:
- Assess your eligibility under the Blue Economy focus areas.
- Develop a strong concept note aligning with WASOP objectives.
- Submit your proposal before the official deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the official portal to begin their application process. Ensure your proposal aligns with the programme’s goals and meets all eligibility requirements.
👉 Click here to Apply for WASOP 2026
👉 Read more about the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP)
💼 Need Professional Support?
If you require expert assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review to ensure your application stands out and meets all technical and funding standards.
