Durban will be hosting the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit from March 23 to 25 at the ICC
Image: Supplied
Durban is poised to become a hub of ocean innovation as it gears to host the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit from March 23 to 25, at the ICC.
The event, organised by Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, aims to unite innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond to discuss the development and adoption of sustainable ocean solutions.
Since its inception in 2019, Ocean Innovation Africa has been a platform that serves as a nexus for stakeholders across various sectors, including industry, government, research institutions, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving impactful ocean-minded solutions and attracting private sector investment.
The keynote address at the the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit will be delivered by Charlina Vitcheva, the director-general of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Image: Supplied
This year’s summit theme, “Accelerating and Scaling Out Regenerative Blue Economy Action,” will be underscored by a keynote address from Charlina Vitcheva, the director-general of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Vitcheva, a prominent figure leading EU policy on maritime affairs and fisheries, will also participate in a high-level panel discussion titled “Blue Finance for Resilience: Shifting from Aid Dependency to Sustainable Local Capital.”
The summit will provide a platform for various stakeholders—including policymakers, practitioners, innovators, community leaders, investors, researchers, and development partners—to delve into pathways that support the uptake of African-developed solutions.
Key topics of discussion will include advancing regenerative blue business models, promoting nature-positive growth, enhancing marine protection, economic expansion, community resilience, and strengthening pan-African innovation ecosystems.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba said the City is honoured to host a global leader in maritime affairs and fisheries.
He said as a coastal city deeply connected to the ocean economy, Durban stands to benefit from strengthened engagement between international policymakers and African stakeholders, creating opportunities for regeneration, collaboration and inclusive growth.
Alexis Grosskopf, co-founder of Ocean Innovation Africa, said the summit is designed to move beyond traditional conference formats by fostering coordinated action among key stakeholders.
He added that Vitcheva’s participation will help bridge policy, investment priorities and practical pathways to scale regenerative ocean solutions across Africa, bringing valuable expertise across finance, innovation, science and implementation.
Vitcheva reinforced the significance of international cooperation, referencing the European Ocean Pact as a model for sustainable ocean governance.
She emphasised the importance of partnerships under initiatives such as the Global Gateway Strategy and Blue Invest Africa, which are vital for promoting sustainable governance and unlocking investment in ocean solutions.
She further noted that protecting the ocean and building prosperity for coastal communities must go hand in hand.
The presence of a leading figure like Vitcheva at the summit underscores its increasing international relevance and its role in addressing the urgent challenges of ocean health and the sustainable development of the blue economy.