The first Our Ocean Conference in Africa is being held in Kenya, uniting governments, policymakers, scientists and other stakeholders to discuss the protection and sustainable use of the world’s oceans.
By Blue Africa News
Kenya’s coastal counties of Mombasa and Kilifi are this week drawing international attention as they host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference (OCC) – the first time the event is being held on an African soil.
The global forum, themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” has brought together world leaders, policymakers, scientists and environmental advocates to discuss the protection and sustainable use of the world’s oceans.
With the conference running from 16-18 June, 2026, OCC organisers say the theme celebrates the living connection between people and the ocean, reflecting the heritage, cultures, and coastal communities shaped by the sea, besides calling for a shared commitment to secure a resilient, just, and thriving ocean for generations to come.
According to Hassan Ali Joho, Kenya’s minister for mining, blue economy and maritime affairs, the conference provides a unique opportunity for Africa to lead. “Africa is not here to listen, Africa is here to lead,” said Joho, in a video message welcoming delegates to Mombasa and Kilifi for the conference.
The conference, Joho said, is about turning words into far reaching commitments.
“We will confront the urgent realities before us with courage and clarity under the powerful theme, ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.’ This conference is about turning words into commitments; commitments into action and action into a legacy we can be proud of,” he said.
Speaking at the pre-conference event in Mombasa, Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s minister for fisheries and aquaculture, shared her country’s vision for a sustainable and resilient blue economy.
Like many other African countries, she said Ghana remains committed to driving impactful ocean action through partnerships, innovation, and responsible fisheries management.
“The health of our oceans today will determine the prosperity of future generations,” noted the minister.
She emphasised on the need for collaboration and innovation in harnessing Africa’s ocean potential, adding that responsible management of marine resources is essential to ensuring prosperity for future generations.
This happened as a youth leadership summit made the case that youth participation in ocean governance requires structural commitment, not symbolic inclusion, with participants unanimously agreeing that “the future of the ocean must be shaped by young people, not merely shaped for young people.”
Dr. Asma Awadh from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Kenya, proposed investment in youth as a meaningful inclusion in ocean governance at every level. “Nature responds to action, not promises,” she said. “What will this generation do for the ocean?”
The conference starts proper on June 17 with opening remarks from Joho, followed by Emelia Arthur who will then usher in a panel discussion on advancing inclusive blue economy pathways, sustainable ocean planning, and resilient coastal futures, featuring panelists from Ghana and Kenya.
Hassan Ali Joho (on stage) Kenya’s minister for mining, blue economy and maritime affairs addressing some of the delegates attending the OCC in Kilifi and Mombasa counties. Photo courtesy: Kenya Maritime and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI)
Side events on selected topic run alongside the program for the main event. The topics include Ocean startups – Africa: Bridging Africa’s ocean innovation continuum, From twilight to spotlight: protecting the mesopelagic zone for ocean health, food security, biodiversity, and climate stability and indigenous leadership on the frontlines of the ocean-climate nexus: Why indigenous stewardship delivers the actionable solutions the ocean-climate sector critically needs, among others.
Launched in 2014 by U.S. Department of State and former Secretary of State John Kerry, OOC is a major international platform that unites governments, businesses, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and academic institutions, with a view of driving ocean-related action and ambition.
It focusses on six key thematic areas, namely: marine protected areas, sustainable blue economy, climate change, maritime security, sustainable fisheries, and marine pollution.
Over the years, OCC has generated over 2,600 commitments valued at more than U$160 billion, making it one of the most impactful global gatherings for ocean sustainability.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News
