Prologue
Why the emphasis on mining and natural resource management? The natural resource wealth of Eastern Africa is diverse and abundant, but its sustainable development and management presents a daunting policy and technical challenge, to policymakers and knowledge leaders alike. In an era witnessing the escalating impact of climate change and a broadening in digital access led by the transformative influence of AI and information processing, knowledge exchange for sustainable natural resource management deserves top priority. The newly released Future of Jobs Report 2025, by the World Economic Forum, has singled out environmental stewardship and expertise in environmental management disciplines as critical in-demand skills for the period 2025-2030: “Climate trends are also expected to drive an increased focus on environmental stewardship, which has entered the Future of Jobs Report’s list of top 10 fastest growing skills for the first time.” (World Economic Forum, 2025).
CEMEREM at 10: A Decade of Delivery
For ten years, the Kenyan-German Centre of Excellence for Mining, Environmental Engineering, and Resource Management (CEMEREM) has been at the forefront of innovative research, collaboration, and capacity-building in Africa’s primary natural resource sector, with a principal focus on East Africa through DAAD-funded In-Region postgraduate scholarship support. To increase the stock of practice-oriented mining and environmental engineers as well as natural resource managers in East Africa, CEMEREM has over the years supported postgraduate scholarships, equipment purchase, international summer schools in Kenya and Germany, and biennial international conferences on mining and natural resource management.
In 2025, CEMEREM attains a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary—and there’s no better way to mark the occasion than by bringing global experts and practitioners together for the 5th CEMEREM Biennial International Conference. To be hosted by Taita Taveta University (TTU), Kenya, in collaboration with two partner universities in Germany, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and HTW-Dresden, this year’s conference promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.
On this DIGIFACE platform, we are proud to promote this milestone event as part of our commitment to showcasing innovation, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the voices working towards sustainable natural resource management. Below, we share all the essential details you need to participate in this landmark gathering of international experts, researchers, academics, policymakers, and university students exhibiting their innovative projects as part of the thrilling Young Scientists Contest.
Conference Tagline: “CEMEREM at 10”
Theme
Natural Resource Management in Africa’s Primary Natural Resource Sector: Technology and Innovations for a Sustainable Future
This theme highlights the progress CEMEREM has made over the past decade in advancing the sustainable development and management of Africa’s natural resources. It also emphasises where the sector is headed next—towards greater integration of cutting-edge technologies, innovative research, and best practices aimed at preserving resources for future generations.
Dates and Venue
- Pre-Conference Training: September 28–29, 2025
- Conference: September 30–October 1, 2025
- Location: Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa, Kenya (Inside the Tsavo West National Park)
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Tsavo landscape—renowned for its wildlife and natural beauty—gaining insights and forging partnerships that will shape Africa’s resource sector for the next decade and beyond.
Important Deadlines
- Deadline for submission of abstracts: February 28, 2025
- Abstract acceptance notification: April 30, 2025
- Deadline for submission of full papers: June 30, 2025
We encourage all prospective presenters to submit abstracts by the deadline to secure their spot at this prestigious event.
Conference Sub-Themes
To address diverse challenges and opportunities in Africa’s primary natural resource sector, the conference will feature sub-thematic sessions and discussions around:
- Advanced technologies in mineral exploration, extraction, and processing, including sustainable mining techniques and automation in mineral processing.
- Sustainable water management and conservation in the primary natural resource sector: innovations in water recycling and waste management in mining operations.
- Circular economy and resource recycling in the primary natural resource sector: best practices in resource recovery and extending the life cycle of minerals.
- Digital transformation and smart mining in Africa: the role of IoT, Big Data, and blockchain in enhancing transparency and efficiency in mining operations.
- Renewable energy integration in the primary natural resource sector: strategies for reducing carbon footprints and achieving net-zero emissions.
- Climate change adaptation and resilience in the mining and natural resource management sector: strategies for building climate resilience in mining operations.
- Sustainable development of critical minerals for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Sustainable management in the era of energy transition: innovations in mining, circular economy, and climate adaptation.
- Policy development for increasing the added value of the primary natural resource sector for economic growth and equity.
- Enhancement of diversity and inclusion in the primary natural resource sector.
- Innovative financing and formalisation strategies for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
- Harnessing biodiversity for sustainable development and transformative change.
Registration Fees
Early registration is available until June 30, 2025, after which late registration fees apply.
Category | Early (by June 30, 2025) | Late (after June 30, 2025) |
---|---|---|
Local Paper Presenter | KES 3,000/- | KES 5,000/- |
Local Exhibitor | KES 6,000/- | KES 8,000/- |
Foreign Paper Presenter | USD 80 | USD 100 |
Foreign Exhibitor | USD 100 | USD 120 |
Non-Presenting Participants | USD 200 | USD 200 |
How to Submit Your Abstract
All abstracts should be submitted via email to: abstracts@ttu.ac.ke
In the spirit of CEMEREM’s decade of delivery celebration, we welcome innovative ideas, case studies, and research findings that offer deep insights into the future of sustainable natural resource management. Be sure to include your full contact information and indicate the relevant sub-theme for your submission.
Why You Should Attend
- Celebrate a Decade of Progress
Join us in commemorating CEMEREM’s 10 years of achievements and witness firsthand how the centre continues to revolutionise natural resource management across Africa. - Network with Industry Leaders
Meet and collaborate with fellow academics, professionals, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and students dedicated to shaping the continent’s sustainable future. - Gain Insights into Cutting-Edge Research
Discover the latest advancements in mining technologies, environmental protection, and resource management from experts around the globe. - Experience the Tsavo West National Park
Combine learning with adventure in one of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations and a haven of the rich Taita culture (e.g., the unparallelled Mwazindika jig), fostering an unforgettable blend of knowledge exchange and nature exploration – a tabula rasa for scripting enduring memories of nature and culture.
Partnerships and Support
This conference is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Taita Taveta University (TTU), TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), University of Applied Sciences (HTW)-Dresden (Germany), DAAD, the African Excellence network, and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. As part of DIGIFACE’s ongoing mission to support digital learning, innovation, and capacity-building in higher education, we are proud to highlight this initiative as an exemplary model of international collaboration.
Join Us in Shaping the Next Decade!
CEMEREM’s 10th anniversary is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders in Africa’s natural resource sector. By attending this conference, you can contribute to the evolving conversation on sustainable resource-based solutions for the continent, deepen your understanding of new technologies, and forge impactful networks.
Mark your calendars, prepare your abstracts, and register early—be part of the legacy that continues to transform Africa’s resource sector for generations to come.
For more details, visit:
cemerem.ttu.ac.ke
Or contact:
cemerem@ttu.ac.ke / dicksonwachira@ttu.ac.ke | +254 705 161 316
We look forward to welcoming you to this landmark gathering at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa and celebrating a decade of delivery in supporting knowledge-led solutions for sustainable natural resource management!
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