From Roadmap to Action:
Advancing Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal in Africa

Building on the momentum of the Special Session, the Post-WIOMSA Workshop deepened conversations around science, governance, and innovation to activate Africa’s potential in ocean-based climate solutions.

Dr. Amon Kimeli delivered opening remarks from WIOMSA’s Executive Secretary Dr. Arthur Tuda, who highlighted Africa’s role as a key contributor to global climate action- “Africa should be positioned not as a bystander but as a key contributor to the global climate response, especially given the region’s vulnerability to climate change.” He called for greater investment in ocean observation, data infrastructure, and regional research networks, aligning efforts with the African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy, and stressed that women, youth, and coastal communities must take leadership roles.

Prof. Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa, reflected on the university’s coastal heritage and proximity to the ocean. Sharing first-hand observations of marine pollution and habitat degradation, she highlighted that workshops like the Post-WIOMSA Workshop are crucial for translating research into innovation and community impact.

Dr. Matt Long, Co-Founder and CEO of [C]Worthy, then set the tone with a presentation calling for collective engagement — “wote pamoja” (all together). He outlined mCDR approaches such as ocean alkalinity enhancement or OAE, biomass cultivation, and ecosystem restoration, stressing that “responsible deployment must be built on clear baselines, verified models, and community consent.” He warned that mCDR interventions must be carefully managed to avoid unintended impacts. “We must ensure that what we do to help the ocean does not harm it,” Dr. Long said. 

Plenary and panel discussions examined why durable carbon-dioxide removal must serve as a complement to emission reductions. Spotlights on pilot projects, including Planetary, Vesta, Seacure, Ebb, and PRONOE, showcased global initiatives committed to scientific rigor, community engagement, and regulatory learning.

From South Africa, Caitlin Wale of SAILOR noted, “South Africa has significant existing and planned infrastructure, from desalination plants and mining supply chains to hydrogen hubs and wastewater treatment works, that could pair powerfully with ocean alkalinity enhancement and related innovations.”

From Tanzania, Shamim Nyanda highlighted the challenge of fragmented efforts across institutions and sectors. “The Africa mCDR Roadmap should serve as a unifying framework,” she said, “aligning science, governance, innovation, and community engagement.”

Representing the Ocean Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, Dr. Mariam Swaleh stated, “Africa’s coastal communities are not passive observers of climate change but active innovators of solutions. Our mission is to bridge science, technology, and traditional knowledge so that marine carbon dioxide removal becomes not just a climate intervention, but a pathway for resilience, livelihoods, and shared prosperity.”

Her remarks captured the spirit of the session, which emphasized collaboration, data credibility, capacity building, and regional ownership. Participants highlighted that Africa’s strength lies in fostering partnerships between scientists, innovators, and local communities, supported by robust monitoring frameworks that ensure environmental integrity and accountability. The discussions reinforced that inclusive governance, knowledge sharing, and sustained investment in research are vital to transform mCDR from concept to practical climate action.