The President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Prof. Maximo Mejia, has urged African nations to unite their efforts and pool resources in order to deepen their understanding of shared maritime challenges and craft collective solutions.

Speaking during his visit to JKUAT Monday, August 18, 2025, Prof. Mejia emphasized that the future of Africa’s blue economy depends on collaboration, innovation, and capacity building. He noted that JKUAT, through the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa (MTCC Africa), are already shaping the continent’s response to climate change and sustainable shipping.

He revealed that plans are underway for an African Maritime Education Forum, a platform where institutions across the continent can exchange best practices, harmonize training standards, and collaboratively tackle shared challenges such as climate resilience, skills gaps, and technological adoption.

It was revealed that partnership discussions between the World Maritime University and the Kenyan State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs are already underway. Mustafa Yassin, representing the State Department, affirmed that Kenya would play a central role in the proposed African Maritime Education Forum, leveraging JKUAT’s position as host of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa to shape continental training standards and strategies.

Prof. Mejia was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, during the visit.

Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ikua, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed JKUAT’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s blue economy agenda.

“As host of MTCC Africa, we are advancing energy-efficient technologies, training maritime professionals, and contributing to policies that drive sustainable growth,” said Prof. Ikua.

Prof. Ikua added that the partnership with WMU would strengthen education, research, and innovation, placing JKUAT at the forefront of Africa’s maritime transformation.

The visit underscored JKUAT’s growing influence in global maritime conversations and its position as a key driver of Kenya’s and Africa’s blue economy.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, welcomed the partnership, noting that Maritime Engineering offered at JKUAT has enriched the University’s thematic areas of research.

Project Director, Prof. Hiram Ndiritu, gave a presentation on MTCC Africa, hosted by JKUAT, while affirming the project’s commitment to advancing sustainable maritime practices, fostering regional collaboration, and supporting capacity building across the continent.