The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is pleased to announce the annual 4-week Ocean Governance Training Programme, scheduled to take place from 31st August to 25th September 2026.
The training programme is designed to enhance ocean governance knowledge and capacity across Africa, fostering collaboration, policy harmonization, and sustainable ocean management.
Programme Format
The course is held over a four-week period and will be delivered in a hybrid format, consisting of:
Week 1: Online learning sessions
Weeks 2 – 4: In-person training at The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
- Requires full time commitment by participants on the basis of seven-hours of class daily over a five-day week;
- Involves traditional lectures and classroom sessions as well as hands-on sessions, field visits, practical classes, seminars, workshops, group exercises, and events during some evenings and weekends.
- Involves group work and each participant is expected to provide input to shared activities;
- Will be conducted in English-therefore, participants must be able to understand, write and speak English fluently.
Application Details
- Application Deadline:Friday 15th May 2026 (No late applications will be considered)
- Application Form: Submit your application here
For more information:
About the Programme
Goal of the Course
This training programme is designed to address the need for awareness and expertise in ocean governance within Africa. It aims to:
- Build a sustainable network of ocean governance experts on the continent
- Promote harmonized ocean policies for a shared and integrated management approach
Who Should Apply?
This course is designed for early and mid-career professionals, educators, researchers, and civil society members from African countries who have responsibilities or interests in coastal and marine governance.
Participants should preferably be between 20 and 40 years of age, and possess at least a first degree in a field relevant to marine affairs, governance, or science.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
- Develop expertise in coastal and ocean governance
- Gain insight into regional seas, marine resources, and sustainable development
- Understand legal and regulatory frameworks for ocean governance
- Explore policy harmonization and international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Learn about the role of science and technology in ocean governance
- Discuss emerging socio-economic and environmental challenges
- Analyse regional case studies and explore practical solutions
- Engage in discussions between managers, policymakers, and researchers
- Strengthen the science-policy interface in marine governance
- Contribute to the establishment of an active IOI network in Africa
Course Structure
The programme consists of five core modules:
- Oceans and Coasts – Opportunities and Threats
- The Governance Framework
- Governance Tools
- Governance in Action
- Creating a Supportive Environment for Effective Governance
Additionally, participants will engage in field trips and assignments to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Costs of Attendance and Bursaries
Participants are expected to cover the costs of attendance, including visas, flights to Cape Town, accommodation, daily subsistence, and course administration fee of 70USD. However, a limited number of bursaries are available to cover full or partial costs. Insurance and visa related costs are not covered. All prospective applicants applying from outside of the Western Cape must seek funding to support their participation in the training programme. As part of the bursary application process, candidates will be required to submit proof of their attempts to secure at least partial financial support
For inquiries, contact us at kgovender@ioisa.org
