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Korea Herald

[Bridge to Africa] Kenya urges Korea to fast-track maritime, mineral cooperation

Kenyan minister suggests Korea–Africa trade expos, digital platforms to bridge gap in Korean businesses' limited knowledge of African markets Kenya is calling on Korea to deepen maritime and mineral cooperation through accelerated technology transfers, said Hassan Ali Joho, Kenya's Cabinet secretary for mining, blue economy and maritime affairs, in an interview with The Korea Herald. 'We are looking for Korean support in building infrastructure for fisheries, training human resources, transferring fish processing technologies and advancing the blue economy through expert collaboration,' he said. Joho was in Busan to attend the 10th Our Ocean Conference, held from April 28 to 30. According to Joho, Kenya aims to enhance marine sustainability by expanding "Marine Protected Areas," improving coastal pollution control and involving local communities in conservation efforts. Highlighting 50 years of Kenya-Korea ties, Joho referenced memorandums of understanding on the blue economy and fisheries signed during the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, along with a draft proposal for mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates to boost Kenyan employment on Korean vessels. Joho outlined Kenya's interest in creating frameworks for certificate recognition under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as well as launching student and trainer exchanges in maritime education, joint research and technical support in fisheries development. 'Kenya has been selected to host the 11th edition of the OOC in 2026,' Joho told The Korea Herald. As Kenya prepares to host the next OOC, Joho praised Korea's achievements in marine conservation and port management as a model for Kenya's own strategy. Discussing the seaweed sector, Joho revealed Kenya's plans to expand seaweed farming through new sites, deep-sea cultivation and industrial development. 'This will require Korean technical expertise and research support. Korea has valuable experience in building a sustainable seaweed industry,' he added. However, Joho also acknowledged challenges in the Korea-Africa business environment. 'Many Korean businesses have limited knowledge of African markets, regulations, consumer behavior and investment opportunities,' he pointed out. 'Likewise, African enterprises often lack access to information about Korean technologies and standards.' To bridge this gap, Joho recommends establishing more joint business forums, Korea–Africa trade expos and digital platforms for greater commercial visibility. 'We must also strengthen the role of embassies and trade missions to facilitate better cooperation,' he added. Commending Korea for its role in maritime training, Joho highlighted ongoing cooperation between Kenyan institutions, such as Bandari Maritime Academy, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Mount Kenya University and Pioneer International University, and Korea's Maritime Education Training Support Center. He noted that Korean instructors and retired seafarers have helped train Kenyan cadets, offering valuable international exposure. Joho also urged Korea to view Kenya as a strategic partner in critical minerals. 'Kenya recognizes and appreciates the role Korean companies play in the global mineral trade, particularly in green and critical minerals,' said Joho. 'To complement one another, Kenya proposes to advance Korean interests in the supply of mineral resources.' He outlined potential areas for collaboration, including strengthening Kenya's value-addition capabilities, developing mineral smelting technologies, supporting rural cottage industries and pursuing joint research in green technology-related mineral processing. 'Korean investment in the entire value chain — from exploration to final products — will be key to inclusive growth,' he emphasized. On the regional front, Joho detailed Kenya's efforts to strengthen maritime security under the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment. 'Initiatives like Exercise Usalama Baharini 2024 and the upcoming Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement 2025 underscore our commitment to maritime safety and tackling illicit activities,' he said. He also pointed to Kenya's leadership in promoting a regional cabotage regime to boost intra-African trade in the African Continental Free Trade Area. 'This culminated in Kenya hosting the African Cabotage and Blue Economy Conference in 2023,' he recalled, adding that as of January this year Kenya has eased travel requirements for African nationals, exempting most from the electronic travel authorization process. 'This is part of a broader push to increase intra-African trade and investment,' he added. Profile: Hassan Ali Joho is a Kenyan politician currently serving as the Cabinet secretary for mining, blue economy, and maritime affairs. He began his political career in 2004 and was elected as a member of parliament for Kisauni in 2007. From 2013 to 2022, he was the first governor of Mombasa County and has held positions such as assistant minister for transport, national organizing secretary and deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. Joho is a member of the International Steering Committee of the Strong Cities Network, promoting peace and security. sanjaykumar@