By: Dr Mariam Swaleh

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) was honoured to participate in the 2025 Africa-Japan Collaborative Research (AJ-CORE) Researchers’ Workshop, held from 2–3 June at the University of Nairobi. The workshop brought together leading researchers, policymakers, early-career scientists, and funding institutions from across Africa and Japan to strengthen international collaboration in science, innovation, and development.

TUM was represented by Dr. Mariam Swaleh, who showcased Project SWATIA in collaboration with Dr. Faiz Ansari – an innovative trilateral research initiative co-led by Prof. Laila Abubakar (Vice Chancellor, Technical University of Mombasa), Prof. Faizal Bux (Durban University of Technology, South Africa), and Prof. Zhongfang Lei (University of Tokyo, Japan). The project brings together researchers from Kenya, South Africa, and Japan to co-develop sustainable, algae-based wastewater treatment technologies suited to African urban contexts. Dr. Swaleh was joined at the workshop by Dr. Faiz Ansari and Dr. Ismail Rawat from the Durban University of Technology.

Project SWATIA (Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Using Algal-Bacterial Consortia for Enhanced Resilience to Climate Change in Africa) focuses on developing affordable, nature-based wastewater treatment solutions using locally sourced microalgae and microbial communities. By addressing urban pollution and limited infrastructure, the project aims to create environmentally friendly systems suited to African cities. A key innovation is the use of algal-bacterial granulation technology, which enhances the natural breakdown of pollutants. The research will begin with comparative wastewater assessments in Kenya and South Africa, followed by laboratory testing and small-scale pilot systems for urban and peri-urban application.

In addition to its technical goals, SWATIA emphasizes community involvement, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with national development priorities. It also contributes directly to key global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13 on Climate Action. The project will integrate outreach and awareness activities to ensure that the developed solutions are relevant, scalable, and socially accepted.

Through its participation in SWATIA, the Technical University of Mombasa has reaffirmed its leadership in applied environmental research, particularly in areas aligned with Kenya’s blue economy agenda and climate resilience. With a strong coastal presence and a commitment to practical innovation, TUM continues to drive regional impact through interdisciplinary research and strategic collaboration.

Participation in the AJ-CORE Researchers’ Workshop also provided an opportunity for TUM to deepen ties with global partners, share experiences with peer institutions, and align its scientific efforts with broader continental priorities. As SWATIA enters its implementation phase, TUM looks forward to working closely with its South African and Japanese counterparts, along with local stakeholders in Kenya, to deliver meaningful impact through science. The project is expected to run through 2028, with anticipated outcomes including new treatment models, policy recommendations, capacity building for young researchers, and enhanced institutional collaboration across borders.