Africa’s coastal and island nations, regional organizations, and international partners gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, from 7 to 9 May 2025 for the Eighth Session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA-VIII).

The event served as a crucial platform for reviewing progress, coordinating priorities, and strengthening regional cooperation in ocean science, services, and policy. Held at a pivotal midpoint of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the session facilitated alignment between Africa’s regional ocean initiatives and global sustainable ocean goals.

Participants focused on reinforcing capacity development, improving data and observation systems, and amplifying African leadership in ocean governance and marine science. With a strong emphasis on partnerships and collaboration, IOCAFRICA-VIII contributed to ensuring that Africa’s distinct ocean challenges and opportunities remain central to the global ocean agenda.