Bridging Technology and Blue Economy: Dr. Matthew Egessa's Innovative Approach to Coastal Sustainability

In the rapidly evolving landscape of African innovation, few stories capture the intersection of technology, sustainability, and community empowerment as effectively as Dr. Matthew Ogesa's journey. As the chairperson of the Management Science Department at the Technical University of Mombasa and the leader of the Blue Economy Innovation Hub (BayHub), Ogesa represents a new generation of African innovators who are combining academic expertise with practical solutions to address pressing societal challenges.

Dr. Ogesa's path from a computer science student to a champion of blue economy innovations illustrates how technological solutions can transform traditional sectors. His journey began at the University of Nairobi's prestigious School of Computing, where he developed a strong foundation in technology. However, it was his early experiences teaching in resource-constrained communities that shaped his perspective on how innovation should serve society's most vulnerable members.

"Looking at the people who came out of that time, even now they're doing amazing things," Ogesa reflects on his pre-university teaching experience in Budokomi, a village school where he served as a senior master straight after high school. This formative experience, where he witnessed firsthand how education and technology could transform lives despite limited resources, ultimately guided his approach to innovation – focusing on impact rather than purely commercial outcomes.

The Blue Economy Innovation Hub, which Ogesa established at the Technical University of Mombasa, embodies his vision of multi-disciplinary collaboration. BayHub brings together academia, private sector, government, and civil society to co-create solutions for coastal communities. "It's not a space," Ogesa explains, "it's bringing together what I call the quadri-helix – academia, private sector, actual users, and government – to co-create solutions that could be more impactful."

One of his most notable ventures is Vua Solutions, a fintech startup addressing the financial vulnerabilities of small-scale fishers. The fishing industry along Kenya's coast faces significant challenges: a seasonal harvesting cycle that leaves fishers without income for months, limited financial literacy, and the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity. Vua Solutions partners with off-takers who work with small-scale fishers to facilitate payment tracking, savings, stipend disbursement, and loans.

What makes Ogesa's approach unique is his emphasis on sustainability and community ownership. Rather than imposing technological solutions, Vua Solutions works with existing community structures and practices. "For us, it was more geared towards those fishers who fish sustainably," Ogesa notes. The platform encourages saving during the high fishing season to smooth income during the low season, promoting both financial resilience and sustainable fishing practices.

The potential for blue economy innovations in Kenya remains largely untapped. From sustainable fishing and maritime transport to coastal tourism and environmental conservation, the opportunities are vast. As Ogesa points out, "Blue economy has been there since the days of our great-grandfathers. Just taking advantage sustainably of any water resources would be termed blue economy."

Dr. Ogesa's journey exemplifies how technological innovation can address complex societal challenges when it emerges from a deep understanding of local contexts and needs. His story reminds us that true impact often comes from bridging different worlds – in his case, connecting advanced technology with traditional fishing communities, academic research with practical applications, and economic development with environmental sustainability.

As Africa continues to navigate its technological transformation, innovators like Dr. Ogesa demonstrate that the most valuable solutions are those that enhance community resilience while preserving the natural resources upon which future generations depend. The blue economy represents not just an economic opportunity but a model for sustainable development that balances technological innovation with environmental stewardship and social inclusion.

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🎤 Guest: Dr. Mathew Egessa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewegessa/
Twitter: https://x.com/MathewEgessa

🎤 Host: Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
Twitter: [https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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