Seaweed farming in East Africa: Carbon capture, blue economy, and climate resilience opportunity

Seaweed farming is gaining global attention as a low-impact climate solution. Unlike traditional agriculture, seaweed requires no freshwater, fertilizer, or arable land. It absorbs nutrients from seawater and captures carbon dioxide as it grows, making it one of the few industries that can generate income while improving environmental health. Europe is investing heavily in seaweed for biodegradable packaging, methane-reducing livestock feed, and carbon removal, signaling strong demand for marine biomass. East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, already has coastal communities with experience in seaweed cultivation. However, production remains focused on low-value raw exports. With policy support, investment in improved varieties, and better market access, the region could build a commercially viable industry that creates jobs, strengthens climate resilience, and taps into a growing global market. The article outlines both the potential and the missing pieces needed to make it happen.