On March 15-21, the delegation headed by Director Fang Yinxia and Academician Li Jiabiao went to Kenya to attend the 7th General Assembly of the UNESCO - IOCAFRICA, and visited the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to discuss cooperation matters.

Mr. Kouadio Affian, Chairman of IOCAFRICA, extended a warm welcome to the delegation of the SIO for its visit and participation in the conference. Director Fang Yinxia introduced the basic information of marine scientific research of the SIO to the representatives of participating countries. Academician Li Jiabiao introduced the cooperative research work on the continental shelf between the SIO and African institutions and the digital deep-sea typical habitat program. The representative from the SIO also delivered a report entitled “China-Africa Cooperation in Marine Science and Blue Economy” in the special topic “Partnership and Resource Mobilization” set up by the conference. At the conference, representatives from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Benin, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Comoros and Madagascar showed great interest in China-Africa maritime cooperation, held in-depth discussions on the achievements of China-Africa cooperation of the SIO in the past and the potential direction of future cooperation, and expressed that they will actively participate in the relevant international seminars organized by the SIO this year.

To further promote the construction of China-Africa scientific and technological cooperation platform, Director Fang Yinxia and the delegation visited KMFRI. Both sides exchanged basic information, research directions and historical achievements, and deeply explored the key areas of potential cooperation. KMFRI welcomed and looked forward to cooperation with the SIO in the field of marine science and technology. The delegation also visited the China-Africa Joint Research Center and had discussions with the Center’s African director and Chinese personnel in Africa to learn about the operation of the Center and the experience of cooperation with Africa.

2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kenya, and the 10th anniversary of the China-Africa Marine Science and Technology Forum jointly organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and IOCARFICA. Through this visit, the SIO further clarified Africa’s marine science and technology needs, laying the foundation for the establishment of China-Africa Marine Science and Blue Economy Center. In the future, the SIO will continue to implement the development needs of national marine science and technology, strengthen marine science and technology cooperation with African countries, and provide important support for China and Africa to jointly develop marine science and technology and promote the blue economy.