Kenya Makes History as Africa Hosts the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa

Mombasa, Kenya – Kenya has made history by hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), marking the first time the prestigious global gathering has been held on the African continent. The milestone event reinforces Kenya’s growing influence in the Blue Economy, sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and international conference tourism.

Held at the state-of-the-art PrideInn Flamingo Tembo International Convention Centre in Mombasa, the conference welcomed more than 7,500 delegates from across the world, including Heads of State, government ministers, scientists, conservationists, development partners, business leaders, and youth representatives. More than 30 ministers participated in high-level discussions aimed at accelerating global action to protect the world’s oceans while promoting sustainable economic growth.

The conference theme, “Our Ocean, Our Future: Sustainable Prosperity for All,” highlighted the critical role healthy oceans play in supporting livelihoods, biodiversity, climate resilience, food security, and economic development.

For Kenya, hosting OOC11 represents far more than a successful international event. It demonstrates the country’s ability to convene world leaders while showcasing its world-class tourism experiences, modern meetings infrastructure, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The choice of Mombasa as the host city further underscores Kenya’s emergence as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in Africa. The PrideInn Flamingo Tembo International Convention Centre—the newest and largest convention facility on the Kenyan coast—provided an exceptional venue for the conference, reflecting the country’s growing investment in world-class business events infrastructure.

Beyond the conference halls, delegates experienced the richness of Kenya’s coastal destination, from its vibrant culture and warm hospitality to its marine ecosystems and unique tourism experiences. These authentic encounters reinforce Kenya’s vision of positioning tourism as a catalyst for conservation, community development, and inclusive economic growth.

Hosting the Our Ocean Conference also aligns with Kenya’s broader national priorities of advancing the Blue Economy, promoting sustainable coastal development, strengthening marine conservation, and creating opportunities for local communities through tourism and investment.

The conference provided an important platform for governments, private sector leaders, research institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to announce new commitments and strengthen collaboration in areas including marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, climate action, ocean finance, maritime security, and the fight against marine pollution.

As the first African nation to host the conference, Kenya has reaffirmed the continent’s vital role in shaping global ocean governance while demonstrating that conservation and economic development can advance together.

The successful hosting of OOC11 also strengthens Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading destinations for international conventions and major global events. It builds on the country’s growing portfolio of world-class conferences that continue to attract international delegates, generate tourism revenue, support local businesses, and showcase Kenya’s investment opportunities.

As delegates depart Mombasa, they leave not only with renewed commitments for ocean action but also with lasting memories of Kenya’s hospitality, natural beauty, and leadership.

The 11th Our Ocean Conference marks another significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards becoming a global leader in sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and business events, demonstrating that the country’s greatest asset is not only its spectacular destinations but also its commitment to building a more sustainable future for generations to come.