FINANCE FOR IMPACT, a leading advisory firm in climate and blue finance, is pleased to announce its engagement as strategic advisor to the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Program (WASOP), under the “Sustainable Blue Economy” pillar led by Expertise France and financed by the European Union.
Under this initiative, FINANCE FOR IMPACT is supporting the design and implementation of a comprehensive financing facility and investment pipelines aimed at unlocking sustainable and inclusive blue economy investments across 13 West African coastal countries. The effort is part of a broader EURO28.5 million program designed to catalyze ocean-based economic transformation while enhancing climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
Working in partnership with Elemental Solutions, FINANCE FOR IMPACT will lead technical work to:
- Diagnose blue economy financing needs at regional and national levels;
- Map and assess current financial instruments and access barriers;
- Structure a tailored Technical Assistance Facility (“Blue Facility”) with pre-designed financial support packages;
- Define the parameters for a EURO14 million call for pilot project proposals to support innovative, scalable blue economy ventures;
- Establish a regional Blue Finance Practitioners Network to foster knowledge exchange and partnerships among investors, public institutions, and entrepreneurs.
“We are honored to contribute to this transformative regional initiative,” said Thierry Sénéchal, Managing Director of Finance for Impact. “By bridging financial innovation with climate and biodiversity goals, we aim to make blue finance not only more accessible but also more impactful for local communities, small businesses, and national institutions.”
The WASOP program, coordinated by the EU Delegation in Cape Verde and implemented by Expertise France, aligns with global ocean governance and climate finance priorities. The initiative also seeks to prepare the region for strategic visibility at international forums, including the Blue Economy Finance Forum and the next UN Ocean Conference.