The 2026 West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) Call for Proposals, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, offers a €10 million grant envelope for organizations developing sustainable, inclusive Blue Economy solutions in West Africa. Eligible applicants include private sector companies, social enterprises, and non-profits, with projects focusing on ocean governance, climate adaptation, and improved coastal livelihoods. The application deadline is January 20, 2026.
WASOP Call for Proposals 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) |
| Implementing Partner | Expertise France |
| Funding Body | European Union (EU) |
| Program Focus | Sustainable Blue Economy & Climate Resilience in West Africa |
| Category | Major International Grant (Call for Proposals) |
| Eligible Applicants | Private Sector, Social Enterprises, Cooperatives, Non-profits (West Africa-based) |
| Max Financial Award | €10,000,000 Grant Envelope (Shared among selected projects) |
| Project Focus | Scalable, Viable, Inclusive Blue Economy Solutions |
| Application Deadline | January 20, 2026 |
West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) Call for Proposals 2026
The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), an initiative implemented by Expertise France and funded by the European Union, has launched its 2026 Call for Proposals to combat rising climate threats—such as coastal erosion, declining fisheries, and marine biodiversity loss—in West Africa’s coastal communities.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
This call represents one of the region’s most significant funding opportunities for organizations, with a substantial €10,000,000 grant envelope dedicated to organizations developing sustainable, inclusive, and scalable Blue Economy solutions.
The overarching goal of WASOP is to power investments that protect the ocean while simultaneously supporting climate-resilient businesses and livelihoods, fostering a thriving and economically viable Blue Economy sector across West Africa.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the WASOP Grant
The WASOP grant provides financial resources and strategic positioning benefits for organizations committed to ocean sustainability and coastal community development.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (€10 Million Envelope)
- Access to Funding: Selected projects will receive a share of the €10,000,000 grant envelope, providing crucial capital for implementation and scaling.
- Investment Power: The grant directly supports investments aimed at protecting marine ecosystems while generating economic opportunities in coastal communities.
Tier 2: Strategic Scaling and Capacity Building
- Scalability Support: Funding and support are provided to help organizations scale their sustainable Blue Economy innovations, ensuring long-term viability and impact.
- Capacity Strengthening: The program contributes to the strengthening of private-sector capacity in ocean-related industries, fostering regional expertise and growth.
Tier 3: Recognition and Policy Alignment
- Climate Resilience Contribution: Successful projects directly contribute to improved climate resilience and enhanced coastal livelihoods across the targeted regions.
- Visibility and Alignment: Projects gain high visibility and alignment with regional development goals and priorities set by the European Union, improving credibility and future partnership opportunities.
Funding Focus Areas
Applicants may propose projects across a broad spectrum of the Blue Economy. Projects must be scalable, viable, inclusive, and demonstrate long-term sustainability, contributing to the following five strategic areas:
- Sustainable Management: Projects focused on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and responsible use of marine resources.
- Ecosystem Conservation: Initiatives covering coastal and marine conservation solutions and the strengthening of private sector participation in Blue Economy value chains.
- Climate Resilience: Innovations addressing climate adaptation along coastlines and climate-resilient ocean technologies.
- Pollution Reduction: Marine pollution reduction and circular economy initiatives, minimizing environmental damage.
- Community Development: Eco-tourism, coastal livelihood development, job creation, and the use of digital or technological tools for ocean monitoring.
Eligibility Requirements for the WASOP Call for Proposals 2026
This call is a major opportunity for organizations—particularly those with a commercial or social enterprise focus—based in West Africa who are actively working in the Blue Economy sector.
- Eligible Applicants:
- Private sector companies
- Social enterprises
- Cooperatives
- Non-profits partnering with private sector actors
- Geographical Base: Must be West Africa–based organisations with operations relevant to the Blue Economy.
- Required Demonstrations: Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong organisational capacity
- Clear impact potential in the Blue Economy
- A sustainable business or project model
- Alignment with regional ocean governance and climate resilience priorities
How to Apply for the WASOP Grant 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is handled through the implementing partner, Expertise France, and requires a formal submission before the deadline.
- Develop Proposal: Create a project proposal that is scalable, viable, and inclusive, addressing one or more of the WASOP funding focus areas (e.g., sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation).
- Ensure Alignment: Verify that the project aligns with WASOP’s core goals of improving sustainable management, climate adaptation, and ocean governance in West Africa.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm the organization meets all criteria, including being West Africa-based and having a sustainable business or project model.
- Apply Online: Submit the full proposal via the Official Expertise France portal before the deadline.
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total grant funding available under the WASOP Call for Proposals 2026?
The call has a total grant envelope of €10,000,000 (Ten Million Euros), which will be distributed among selected projects.
2. Who is the primary funding body for the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP)?
The WASOP initiative is primarily funded by the European Union (EU).
3. What is the deadline for submitting a project proposal?
The application deadline is January 20, 2026.
4. What type of organizations are eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include private sector companies, social enterprises, cooperatives, and non-profits partnering with private sector actors, provided they are West Africa-based.
5. What are the two major climate threats WASOP aims to address in West Africa?
The program aims to address climate threats such as coastal erosion and declining fisheries/loss of marine biodiversity.
6. What core characteristics must all proposed projects demonstrate?
All proposed projects must be scalable, viable, inclusive, and demonstrate long-term sustainability.
7. Name three specific sectors or focus areas supported by the grant.
Supported focus areas include sustainable fisheries & aquaculture, coastal and marine conservation solutions, and marine pollution reduction & circular economy initiatives. (Any three of the listed options are correct).
8. What does WASOP aim to improve regarding ocean governance?
WASOP supports West African countries working to improve ocean governance and cross-border collaboration.
9. What is required of non-profit organizations to be eligible for this funding?
Non-profit organizations are eligible only if they are partnering with private sector actors for the proposed project.
10. Who is the implementing body responsible for managing the WASOP program and applications?
The program is implemented by Expertise France.
