In alignment with DUT’s ENVISION2030 commitment to meaningful engagement and strategic partnerships, Ms Zama Hlongwane from the Department of Maritime Studies participated in a maritime engagement programme in Kenya from 18–21 June 2026.
Ms Hlongwane participated in her capacity as a departmental lecturer, drawing on her professional background as the former Chair of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) International Trade Committee.
The primary focus was the public launch of WISTA Kenya. However, to leverage emerging opportunities, the programme was extended to include corporate governance engagements. This culminated in an exclusive dinner and strategic meetings in Watamu with Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, a distinguished figure in African maritime development and sustainable ocean governance.
Key engagements included attending the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Blue Economy launch, along with educational tours of the Port of Mombasa’s infrastructure, including the Control Tower, Cruise Terminal, and Container Terminals 1 and 2.
Ms Hlongwane also travelled to Malindi to visit the Mount Kenya University (MKU) Maritime Academy, which offered a useful point of reference in terms of how other institutions on the continent are structuring their maritime offerings.
A consistent theme across all engagements was the growing investment by African nations in their maritime sectors, particularly in port infrastructure, ocean governance, and the Blue Economy. This is accompanied by an increasing demand for specialised maritime education, including cadet training, remote seafarer programmes, and postgraduate offerings.
These trends present a notable opportunity for the Department of Maritime Studies to deepen its regional presence and explore potential areas for collaboration, curriculum development, and engagement with the broader African maritime sector. The visit generated meaningful interest in what DUT has to offer, and it is hoped that these initial connections will be developed further.
Ms Hlongwane wishes to express her sincere gratitude to the Head of Department, Dr Michael Manqele, the Executive Dean, Prof Suren Singh, and DUT senior management for the opportunity to participate in this engagement.
Pictured: Ms Zama Hlongwane at the Maritime simulation lab in MKU Maritime Academy, Malindi.
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