December 9-11, 2026 Mombasa, Kenya
๐ŸŒŠ 9โ€“11 December 2026 ยท Mombasa, Kenya

Bahari Festival Program

Experience ยท Think ยท Celebrate the Blue Economy

Day 1

Bahari Festival

Theme: See It; Taste It; Live It.

A vibrant waterfront experience with zones showcasing the best of the Blue Economy.

Bahari Seafood Festival

County culinary competition: Best fish, octopus, prawns, seaweed, coconut innovations, celebrity chefs.

Blue Economy Expo

Marine tech, aquaculture, renewable energy, ports, shipping, tourism, fisheries, conservation, universities, government.

Innovation Village

Ocean robotics, drones, fish finders, AI, mapping, plastic recycling, ocean startups.

Blue Sports Festival

Beach football, volleyball, flying kites, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, tug-of-war.

Traditional Coastal Games

Dhow races, Donkey Derby, Bao tournaments, traditional fishing, coconut climbing, cultural dances.

Kids Ocean Zone

Treasure hunts, marine science experiments, ocean storytelling, sand sculpture, recycling challenges.

Blue Economy Marketplace

Fish, seaweed cosmetics, fashion, handicrafts, tourism packages, books, art, decorative boats, marine equipment.

Sunset Experience

Beach concert, drone show, ocean storytelling, projection mapping, fireworks (eco-conscious).

Day 2

Think the Blue Economy

The tone shifts to strategy, policy, and investment.

Blue Economy Leadership Summit

Ministers, Governors, Investors, Scientists, Youth leaders, Development partners.

Policy Conversations

Financing, ocean governance, climate resilience, maritime security, sustainable fisheries, marine spatial planning, innovation, blue carbon, ocean literacy.

Investment Forum

Investors meet entrepreneurs, counties pitch projects, banks showcase financing, development partners present funding opportunities.

Research Forum

Universities, marine scientists, students, innovation awards, launch new reports.

Bahari Core Annual General Meeting

Members vote, elect leaders, launch initiatives, announce partnerships, release annual reports.

Evening: The Blue Economy Awards Gala

A grand celebration after two days immersed in the sector โ€” awards feel truly earned.

Day 3

Act & Build

Turning conversations into commitments and partnerships into action.

Partnership Commitments

Formal signing of MOUs and partnership agreements between government, private sector, and development partners.

Action Plan Launch

Presentation and launch of the Blue Economy Action Plan with clear deliverables and timelines.

Community Engagement Forums

Coastal community dialogues on inclusive growth, benefit-sharing, and participatory governance.

Youth & Innovation Pledges

Commitments to support youth-led Blue Economy enterprises and innovation hubs.

Closing Ceremony

Keynote address, summary of commitments, and the Bahari Passport rewards celebration.

Award Categories

Innovation in Marine Tech Sustainable Fisheries Marine Conservation Coastal Community Engagement Corporate Responsibility Rising Blue Star (โ‰ค35) Woman of the Year VMG Award Research & Development Blue Entrepreneurship Coastal & Marine Tourism Ocean Literacy & Education Ocean Leadership Blue Investment Climate Resilience Lifetime Achievement

Ready to Experience the Bahari Festival?

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