The session will bring together representatives of IOC Member States and organizations working in the fields of marine science and management of ocean and coastal resources and environment active in the region (IOC national focal persons/institutions, national, regional and international organizations). IOCAFRICA is a facilitator of regional and international cooperation towards the understanding and management of the African oceans and coastal ecosystems. The Sub-Commission aims at building conditions for ensuring sustainable development and safety of coastal populations in the region taking into account priorities expressed by Member States.

 At its forthcoming session, Member States will review the implementation status of the current IOCAFRICA-VI workplan for 2021–2023 (Recommendation IOCAFRICA-VI.4). They will deliberate on priorities and activities to be implemented over the period 2023–2025, as well as develop the IOCAFRICA Strategic Plan for 2023–2029 in the context of both the African Union Decade of African Seas and Oceans (2015–2025) and the United Nations Decade for Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).