Dr Obakeng Molelu is the Science-to-Policy Programme Manager in the SCALABLE Programme at the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). Her work focuses on bridging science, policy, and business to advance sustainable ocean governance and innovation in the Western Indian Ocean. She has extensive experience designing regional capacity-building initiatives that strengthen science communication and policy engagement.

Dr Molelu is also an experienced researcher with a strong background in socio-economic development, port-city dynamics, and urban sustainability. Her work explores the evolving harbour–city relationship shaped by political economy, technological change, environmental regulation, climate pressures, and social impacts, with a focus on translating knowledge into practical solutions for the blue economy.