The World Bank Group has approved $240 million in financing this week for the first phase of the West Africa Coastal Areas Blue Economy and Resilience Program (WACA+).
The funding package consists of $207 million from the International Development Association (IDA), $5 million from the PROBLUE fund, and $28 million in private capital.
It is intended to help Benin and Mauritania protect their coastlines from erosion and flooding while also developing blue economy value chains, according to Ecofin Agency.
In both countries, the program will support coastal protection infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, including the restoration of up to 3,000 hectares of mangroves and wetlands.
These efforts are expected to improve fishing productivity, promote ecotourism, and reduce vulnerability to climate-related shocks.
“West Africa’s coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing the loss of the ecosystems and economic assets they rely on. WACA+ brings the integrated response these challenges demand,” said Chakib Jenane, the World Bank’s regional director for the Planet practice group.
In Benin, activities will focus on the Bouche du Roy estuary and the mouth of the Mono River. Bouche du Roy, a protected area established in 2016 and recognized by UNESCO in 2017, spans 9,678 hectares and is home to more than 25,000 people. It accounts for 22% of the key biodiversity area surrounding Lake Ahémé and the Aho complex.
Don’t Miss This:
World Bank Commits $137M To Expand Digital Access For 5.2 Million People In Benin, Liberia And Sierra Leone
In Mauritania, the program will focus on reinforcing the dune barrier protecting Nouakchott to help reduce flood risks in densely populated areas.
A 2025 World Bank report indicates that without climate adaptation measures, GDP could decline significantly by 2050, driven by flooding (0.4% to 0.5%), sea-level rise (2.0% to 2.3%), and drought (5.7% to 9.3%). Nouakchott is already considered highly vulnerable to flooding due to both natural and human factors.
WACA+ is designed to support a coordinated regional approach, with the long-term objective of protecting more than 1.3 million hectares of marine areas and supporting over 50,000 jobs across West Africa.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the program will also rely on private sector participation to drive employment. It includes support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), along with financing tools such as a credit guarantee in Mauritania for fisheries processing companies.
The initiative is expected to protect more than 530,000 people from coastal risks, while over 31,000 individuals will benefit from capacity-building programs.
The first phase is projected to create around 13,000 jobs across sectors including fishing, aquaculture, hospitality, logistics, and ecosystem restoration.
The program is being launched as pressure on West African coastal zones continues to grow. These regions account for a significant share of economic activity but remain highly exposed to the impacts of climate change.
“WACA+ provides a truly regional platform, linking countries, harmonizing policies, and mobilizing shared expertise to protect coastal communities, support job creation, and stimulate sustainable growth across the entire region. This cooperation is essential to safeguarding the shared coastline and unlocking new opportunities for millions of people,” said Marina Wes, the World Bank’s acting director for regional programs.
Don’t Miss This:
World Bank Commits $350 Million To Support South Africa’s Power Infrastructure Expansion
Image Credit: Daily Post
