The 3rd Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference
ARBEC III
Science, Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient Blue Economies
About the Conference
About ARBEC III
Conference Evolution
The ARBEC Series
ARBEC I · Kisumu 2022
Laid the groundwork by convening 350+ researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to establish scientific frameworks and identify priority research agendas for evidence-based blue economy governance.
ARBEC II · Kisumu 2024
Expanded reach and impact, attracting 500+ participants from 30 countries who presented 300+ research abstracts. Generated substantial policy dialogue informing decision-making across regional economic communities.
ARBEC III · Nairobi 2026
Advances with sharper thematic focus and greater integration, strategically centering on high-impact economic sectors reinforced by cross-cutting themes essential to sustainable development.
Host City
Why Nairobi?
Nairobi, Kenya's capital and a leading hub for international development and environmental governance, presents exceptional advantages for hosting ARBEC III.
🌍 Strategic Significance
- Home to UNEP headquarters and UN Office at Nairobi
- Regional HQ for international environmental organizations
- Hub for AU and EAC initiatives
- Presence of World Bank, FAO, IFAD
🏛️ Institutional Partners
- KMFRI Liaison Office and research network
- Universities and partner institutions
- Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs
- Kenya Wildlife Service, NEMA and partner institutions
✈️ Accessibility & Infrastructure
- JKIA — major African hub, 50+ international destinations
- World-class conference facilities
- Wide accommodation options
- Modern telecommunications and logistics support
Research Programme
Seven Thematic Tracks
ARBEC III is organized around seven interconnected research tracks, each addressing priority knowledge gaps and implementation challenges.
TRACK 01
Sustainable Fisheries & Aquatic Food Systems
Topics: Stock assessment methodologies, co-management frameworks, post-harvest loss reduction, small-scale fisheries livelihoods, IUU fishing prevention.
TRACK 02
Climate-Smart Aquaculture
Topics: Hatchery technology, climate-adapted species, feed formulation, biosecurity, integrated aquaculture.
TRACK 03
Blue Tourism & Nature-Based Enterprises
Topics: Ecotourism impacts, community-based natural resource management, coastal spatial planning.
TRACK 04
Governance, Policy & Finance
Topics: Evidence-based policymaking, transboundary governance, blue finance instruments.
TRACK 05
Technology, Data & Digital Innovation
Topics: Remote sensing, AI applications, IoT monitoring, blockchain traceability, citizen science.
TRACK 06
Climate Resilience & Ecosystem Health
Topics: Climate change impacts, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management.
TRACK 07
Community Engagement, Equity & Capacity Building
Topics: Gender equality, youth engagement, indigenous knowledge integration, participatory research methodologies.
Timeline
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Abstracts Opens | Closed |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | Closed |
| Early Bird Registration Begins | 23rd June 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 15 July 2026 |
| Final Programme Released | 1 October 2026 |
| 🗓️ Conference Dates | 23–27 November 2026 |
Registration
Registration Fees (USD)
| Category | EAC | Africa | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | |||
| Regular | $70 | $110 | $270 |
| Student | $50 | $70 | $150 |
| Regular Registration | |||
| Regular | $100 | $140 | $300 |
| Student | $50 | $70 | $150 |
Registration is now open. Secure your place before 30 September 2026.
How to Pay
Payment Options
Once registered, settle your registration fee using one of the options below. International delegates should use SWIFT / bank transfer; local delegates may pay via M-Pesa.
Option 1
SWIFT / Bank Transfer
| A/C name | KMFRI Kisumu Micro Project |
| Bank name | National Bank of Kenya |
| A/C number | 7700064873 |
| Bank code | 12 |
| Branch code | 050 |
| SWIFT code | NBKEKENXXXX |
Option 2 · Local delegates
M-Pesa (Lipa na M-Pesa)
Follow these steps:
- Go to Lipa na M-Pesa
- Enter the pay bill number
- Enter the account number
- Insert amount and PIN
PAY BILL NUMBER
625625
ACCOUNT NUMBER
7700064873
Exhibition & Information Centre
Conference Exhibition
Alongside the conference, a Blue Economy Exhibition and Information Centre will be set up within the conference venue, open to local, national, regional and international players in the blue space.
🎯 Why Exhibit at ARBEC III?
The Exhibition Centre targets Government agencies, innovators, academia, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and other stakeholders to showcase their activities, share information and demonstrations on the role of science in the blue economy.
- Prominent Visibility — Position your organisation as a leader in supporting sustainable practices and innovation in the blue economy.
- Networking Opportunities — Engage with key decision-makers, industry experts, and thought leaders during dedicated exhibition sessions and social breaks.
- Brand Exposure — Enhance brand visibility through our extensive marketing campaign, including social media promotion and dedicated exhibitor recognition.
- Corporate Responsibility — Showcase your commitment to CSR in support of sustainable practices in the blue economy.
💰 Exhibition Fees (USD)
Africa & Developing Countries
$1,000
Developed Countries
$2,000
Exhibition fee includes:
- Exhibition booth (3×3 m)
- Full conference package for two exhibitors
- One table and two chairs
- Access to the full conference programme and carry-on materials for two participants
📅 Booking & Deadlines
Booth allocation confirmation: Rolling — early booking is strongly recommended due to limited booth availability.
Payment: Booths are only secured upon full payment confirmation. Late payments may result in reassignment of booth space.
Payment Process
- Submit exhibition booking form / request
- Receive confirmation & invoice from organizers
- Make payment within specified timeline
- Receive official exhibitor confirmation & booth allocation
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +254 725 788 337
Programme Enrichment
Side Events
Side events form a core pillar of ARBEC III, providing space for partners to showcase innovations, host dialogues, and convene targeted technical discussions. All side events are sponsor-driven and curated in partnership with the organizers.
💎 Premium Side Event
USD 10,000 – 15,000
High-level or flagship side event — ideal for organizations wishing to convene ministerial-level roundtables, launch major reports, or host plenary-style policy sessions aligned with conference themes.
🔬 Standard Technical Session
USD 5,000 – 8,000
Focused technical deep-dive sessions — suitable for presenting research findings, convening expert working groups, or facilitating thematic dialogues on specific blue economy sub-sectors.
💡 Partner Showcase / Innovation Lab
USD 3,000 – 5,000
Dedicated space to demonstrate innovations, technologies, or programmes related to the blue economy. Includes time for interactive demonstrations and structured networking.
🌱 Youth / Early Career Event
USD 2,000 – 4,000
Co-sponsored capacity-building forums targeting youth, students, and early-career professionals. Sessions may include mentorship circles, career panels, or skills-building workshops.
Sponsorship Categories
What Sponsorship Contributions Support
- Venue allocation and logistics
- Technical facilitation and moderation
- Communication and visibility (webpage + programme listing)
- Documentation and synthesis of outcomes
Partnership Opportunities
Sponsorship & Partnership
ARBEC III welcomes partnerships with organizations committed to advancing blue economy science and sustainable development.
Get in Touch
Contact & Organisers
CONFERENCE CHAIR
Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina
Director General, KMFRI
CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Dr. Chrispine Nyamweya
HOST INSTITUTION
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
P.O. Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
PHONE
+254 (20) 8021561 / 712003853
Ready to join ARBEC III?