Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) continues to make waves on the international front, with its recent participation in the prestigious Our Ocean Conference (OOC) 2025 held in Busan, South Korea. The university’s involvement in this global platform marks a significant milestone in its journey toward internationalization and global impact.
On 30th April 2025, TUM played a central role in a high-level African-led side event titled "An Inclusive, Sustainable, and Climate-Positive Blue Economy that Contributes to Africa’s Transformation and Growth." This session was the only African-led event at the conference and served as a strategic platform to highlight African innovation, research, and collaborative action in ocean sustainability. The event brought together leading institutions from Eastern and Western Africa and provided TUM with a global stage to showcase its growing influence in marine science and policy.
Representing TUM was Dr. Mariam Swaleh, Assistant Registrar of Partnership, Research and Innovation and Head of the Ocean Climate Innovation Hub Kenya. Dr. Swaleh delivered a high-level presentation on the vision, impact, and expanding ecosystem of Ocean Climate Innovation Hubs in Africa. Her presentation emphasized Kenya’s leadership in marine climate solutions and spotlighted TUM’s role in driving research and innovation for sustainable ocean development.
The keynote speech at the event was delivered by Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, who reiterated Kenya’s commitment to ocean sustainability and officially announced Kenya as the host of Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa—a proud moment for the nation and for TUM as a key stakeholder in the blue economy. Several dignitaries also participated in the engaging discussions, including H.E. Togolani Edriss Mavura, the Ambassador of Tanzania to the Republic of Korea; H.E. Princess Dugba, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Sierra Leone; Mr. Kofi Agbogah, Director of HEN Mpoano in Ghana; Shamim Nyanda from the Tanzania Ocean Climate Innovation Hub; and Dr. Francesca Santoro, Senior Program Officer at UNESCO-IOC.
TUM’s presence at OOC 2025 is more than a moment of recognition—it is a bold step forward in the university’s strategic focus on internationalization. As TUM continues to expand its global footprint, this achievement reinforces the university’s mission to be a center of excellence in education, research, and innovation, responsive to both national priorities and global challenges.
