On 28th September 2025, OBF held its Annual Strategic Workshop and first Annual General Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, preceding the 13th WIOMSA Symposium. The meetings convened a diversity of OBF Members from across the countries of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.
The Strategic Workshop focused on OBF’s Interim strategy, which prioritises a collaboration system for members to collectively deliver OBF’s four key functions:
- A stronger, common ISBE agenda
- Enhanced ISBE skills and knowledge
- Joint resource mobilisation
- Delivered multi-stakeholder projects
The session also provided the space to strategise how to strengthen OBF’s six Innovation Clusters (formerly Innovation Teams) to accelerate local impacts in thematic areas such as Blue Tourism, Circular Economy and Blue Finance. After the Session the Preliminary Steering Team met for the final time to approve the Interim Governance Arrangements and pave the way for the first AGM.
The AGM approved OBF’s new Interim Strategy and appointed an Interim Steering Committee (ISC) to provide strategic leadership for OBF. The ISC then appointed Julie Mulonga (Director, Wetlands International Eastern Africa) and Jonas Tesfu (CEO/Founder, Pangea Accelerator) as Co-chairs. This strong leadership combination brings the expertise and track record of delivery from both the non-profit/conservation and private/financial sectors – critical for OBF’s mandate and ambitions.
The day’s sessions concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing OBF’s mission, with strategic plans poised to shape the future of the initiative. OBF partners are set to enhance their collective impact and effectiveness, driving forward the shared purpose: stronger together!
