African Diplomats Visit Gdynia Maritime University

The programme included lectures, discussions on the strategic role of maritime transport, and a presentation of the University's teaching and research infrastructure. The meeting served to develop international relations as well as educational and economic partnerships with institutions from African countries.

Officially opened by Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk, Deputy Rector for Enterprise and External Engagement, the event brought together experts, department directors, counsellors, and secretaries representing foreign ministries and diplomatic missions from 19 African nations, including Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania.

The preparation and coordination of the visit were overseen by Dorota Barzowska, Head of the International Cooperation Office within the Division of the Deputy Rector for International Cooperation. The seminar section was led by Professor Grzegorz Rutkowski with a lecture on the role of the specialised commercial fleet and the offshore sector, and Professor Maciej Matczak, with a presentation on the strategic importance of seaports. The planetarium visit (interactive lecture and show) was led by GMU students Ada Lewandowska and Karolina Haram. Professor Grzegorz Rutkowski gave the tour of the bridge simulators at the Faculty of Navigation.

The African diplomats' visit provided an opportunity to present Gdynia Maritime University's potential in maritime knowledge and technology transfer. Discussions on the African offshore sector and modern port management focused on potential cooperation in the training and education of maritime economy officers, engineers, and managers from African states.