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There has been sustained momentum for the bioeconomy across major international platforms, positioning it as a strategic pathway to address pressing global challenges.
The Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024 (GBS2024), held in Nairobi, Kenya, placed Africa at the centre of the global bioeconomy dialogue. The Summit highlighted the bioeconomy as a transformative model for transitioning to fossil-free economies, conserving biodiversity, and harnessing innovation to unlock new economic opportunities, particularly meaningful employment for Africa’s growing youth population.
This momentum continued at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), with both the 2025 and 2026 editions further embedding bioeconomy priorities within the broader food systems and agricultural policy dialogues. Notably, the 2026 GFFA, held on 14 – 17 January 2026, placed water at the centre of discussions and highlighted the importance of strengthening the blue bioeconomy as a driver of sustainable growth. While the blue bioeconomy faces challenges such as environmental risks, fragmented governance, and investment gaps, it presents vast untapped potential, especially in Africa.
Insights from specialists in the field of bioeconomy indicate that unlocking this potential will require integrated approaches, enhanced international cooperation, and targeted support to deliver long-term benefits. Developing renewable aquatic resources can create new income streams for rural communities near inland waters and coastal regions. Cultivating marine biomass, such as seaweed, algae, and molluscs, can also provide environmental gains, including reducing nutrient pollution in coastal waters. Read the 2026 GFFA communiqué here.
Building on the momentum established by these previous global platforms, the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 (GBS2026), to be held in Ireland on 20 – 22 October 2026, under the theme ‘Bioeconomy for Socio-economic Transformation and Climate Action,’ will examine and advance biobased solutions that drive inclusive growth, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance sustainable development outcomes. The Summit provides a strategic platform to assess progress, address persistent gaps, and accelerate coordinated international action for increased impact.
