UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA) has long collaborated with the Government of South Africa to strengthen ocean science and sustainable development on the continent. This enduring partnership has supported regional capacity-building and policy engagement, exemplified most recently by SEAmester VIII — South Africa’s flagship floating classroom programme. Conducted aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, a state-of-the-art research vessel, this latest edition provided students and scientists with a rare opportunity to learn and conduct research at sea.
With IOCAFRICA’s support, participants from various African countries joined the 2025 voyage, held from 17 to 27 June. The programme combined academic lectures, practical fieldwork, and collaborative research in a fully immersive, at-sea environment. This hands-on learning experience allowed participants to apply scientific theory in real time, enhancing both technical competence and regional cooperation.
For Dortea Hamukoto, a master’s student from the University of Namibia, SEAmester offered not only technical training in marine science methods — such as plankton observation and oxygen level testing — but also personal development. She described the voyage as transformative, noting how it expanded her scientific skills, strengthened her confidence, and helped her build lasting friendships and professional networks.
For seasoned researchers like Dr. Muthumbi, a Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of Nairobi, SEAmester was a rare opportunity to engage in deep-sea research with world-class facilities. She emphasized the value of observing the entire scientific process, from data collection to analysis, and credited IOCAFRICA with supporting her participation by coordinating logistics and access to the expedition.
By continuing to support initiatives like SEAmester, IOCAFRICA is playing a vital role in building the capacity of early career ocean professionals (ECOPs) across Africa. The programme aligns with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development by promoting inclusive and innovative approaches to marine education. As the Decade progresses, IOCAFRICA remains committed to empowering African youth to take leading roles in ocean research and stewardship.
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