A new wave of African ocean-tech entrepreneurs, sustainable fisheries innovators and marine climate startups is heading to Cape Town this November as BlueInvest Africa 2026 unveils 25 high-growth startups selected to pitch directly to international investors in one of the continent’s largest blue economy investment gatherings.
Organised by the European Union in partnership with the Government of South Africa, the fourth edition of BlueInvest Africa will bring together venture capital firms, development finance institutions, corporate investors and emerging African companies building businesses around ocean sustainability, marine technology and climate resilience.
The two-day summit, scheduled for November 2–3, comes as Africa’s blue economy gains strategic importance in global climate and trade discussions, with governments and investors increasingly viewing oceans, fisheries, maritime logistics and marine renewable energy as major untapped economic frontiers.
Africa’s blue economy is estimated to generate hundreds of billions of dollars annually, yet investment into the sector remains significantly below global averages despite the continent possessing more than 38 coastal and island states and some of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
BlueInvest Africa aims to close part of that gap by connecting investment-ready African startups with global financiers seeking scalable climate-aligned ventures.
“BlueInvest Africa has established itself as a leading platform connecting Africa’s blue economy entrepreneurs with global investment opportunities,” the organisers said ahead of the event.
Turning Ocean Innovation Into Investment Deals
The selected companies span West, East, North and Southern Africa and operate across sectors including ocean technologies, sustainable aquaculture, marine renewable energy, circular economy systems and pollution reduction initiatives.
Each startup was selected for “commercial viability, scalability and measurable environmental and social impact,” BlueInvest Africa said.
At the heart of the programme is a clear commercial objective of transforming African sustainability innovation into bankable investment opportunities.
Entrepreneurs will participate in live investor pitch sessions, tailored coaching, curated business matchmaking and closed-door meetings with international financial actors.
“The goal is to facilitate concrete deals and long-term partnerships between African innovators and international financial actors, including venture capital funds, development finance institutions and corporate investors,” BlueInvest Africa said.
Among the standout ventures is VoyageAI Solutions Limited from Uganda, led by Ezra Onyango through the Alliance to Save Lake Victoria initiative, highlighting growing interest in freshwater sustainability and inland marine ecosystems.
South Africa’s Berth, led by Matt Wilson, joins a strong Southern African cohort alongside Cannagro led by Ashleigh Hall and Feeding Africa Aqua Farming led by Hendrik Jacobs, reflecting the country’s expanding role as a regional ocean innovation hub.
Zambia’s representation comes through Bio Green Technology, led by Niza Aritha Zulu, and Lakefarms and Fishing Lodge Limited, founded by Ketty Shamakamba, underlining the increasing participation of inland African economies in the blue economy through fisheries, aquaculture and water-resource innovation.
East Africa emerged as one of the strongest regional clusters among finalists.
Kenya secured multiple spots through Camino Ruiz Agencies Limited led by Loreen Wanjiru, Constantnople Enterprise founded by Boniface Wainaina, EcoTrace led by Donatus Ndungu Njoroge and Trident Analytics founded by Elizabeth Gakinya.
Tanzania also fielded a major presence through Bio1 Solutions led by Christian Shao, Global Green Packaging Solutions founded by Tatu Kassim and KCG Aquatec Fish Farming Consultancy Co Ltd led by Stephano Adrian Karoza.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, was represented by several ventures tackling marine waste, sustainable food systems and knowledge infrastructure, including CleanUp MDC led by Yahuza Sani Hudu, Gef’s Smoked Edibles founded by Shelika Oluwafunmilola and Viable Knowledge Masters led by Oluwunmi Awoyemi.
North Africa also featured prominently, with Egypt represented by Blutechnova led by Mahmoud Sherif Okasha and Visenleer founded by Moemen Sobh.
Morocco’s SITELI CW and Tunisia’s Oleo Mar Sarl reinforced North Africa’s growing profile in sustainable maritime innovation.
Other selected startups included Liberia’s Golden Waste Solutions Enterprise led by Kadiatu A Sheriff, Namibia’s Green Brine Technologies CC founded by Martin Itamalo, Malawi’s Qubix Robotics led by Chisomo Thezhi Kanthema and Trokass founded by Tabitha Kasongo, alongside Ivory Coast’s EUACC Maritime SPV led by Serguei Ouattara.
Europe Deepens Strategic Investment Push Into Africa’s Ocean Economy
The breadth of sectors represented highlights how Africa’s blue economy is evolving beyond traditional fisheries into a broader innovation ecosystem tied to logistics, renewable energy, robotics, waste recovery, climate adaptation and digital maritime infrastructure.
The event also reflects intensifying EU-Africa economic cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilise sustainable infrastructure and climate investment across emerging markets.
Since launching in 2022, BlueInvest Africa has supported more than 80 startups selected from over 700 applications and connected them with more than 40 investors focused on ocean-impact ventures.
Cape Town’s selection as host city underscores South Africa’s growing importance as a continental gateway for climate finance, maritime innovation and startup investment.
“Hosted in one of Africa’s leading maritime and innovation hubs, Cape Town provides a strategic environment to accelerate the growth of the blue economy,” BlueInvest Africa said.
Africa’s Ocean Economy Enters a New Investment Era
As global investors increasingly search for scalable climate-aligned ventures, African blue economy startups are beginning to emerge not simply as environmental projects, but as commercially viable businesses positioned at the intersection of sustainability, food security, logistics and future trade infrastructure.
For many of the founders heading to Cape Town, BlueInvest Africa represents more than a pitching event.
It is a gateway into a rapidly expanding global investment conversation around who will build the next generation of ocean economies and whether African entrepreneurs can secure a leading stake in that future.
