Our Ocean Conference 2026: Kenya Hosts Africa's Biggest Ocean Summit
Kenya has made history by becoming the first African country to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference, bringing together thousands of delegates, including world leaders, investors, scientists and environmental experts, to discuss the future of the world's oceans.
Held in Mombasa from 16 to 18 June, the conference placed Kenya's blue economy ambitions firmly on the global stage.
The three-day summit was more than an environmental gathering. It served as a platform for governments, development partners and the private sector to announce new investments and partnerships aimed at protecting marine ecosystems while creating economic opportunities through sustainable ocean industries.
A boost for Kenya's blue economy
Kenya has identified the blue economy as one of its key economic growth sectors, with opportunities in shipping, fisheries, tourism, aquaculture, marine transport and renewable ocean energy.
Hosting the conference gave the country an opportunity to showcase its coastline, port infrastructure and investment potential while attracting global attention to projects that can create jobs and support coastal communities. The event also featured a Business and Investment Forum focused on mobilising private capital for sustainable ocean enterprises.
Billions in new commitments
The conference concluded with 300 new commitments worth approximately US$6.4 billion (about KSh832 billion) towards ocean conservation and the sustainable blue economy. Kenya alone announced 50 commitments valued at US$1.1 billion, covering areas such as marine conservation, coastal resilience and sustainable fisheries.
Delegates also adopted the Mombasa Declaration, an agreement signed by 15 countries to strengthen transparency and cooperation in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to threaten marine resources and the livelihoods of millions of people.
What it means for businesses
For Kenyan businesses, the conference has opened new opportunities in sectors linked to the blue economy, including logistics, maritime services, eco-tourism, aquaculture, renewable energy and marine technology.
As global investors increasingly look for sustainable projects, Kenya is well positioned to leverage its strategic location along the Indian Ocean and modern port infrastructure to attract long-term investment.
While the real impact will depend on how quickly commitments are implemented, the conference has reinforced Kenya's position as a regional leader in the blue economy and highlighted the ocean as an important driver of future economic growth
