"Blue hope": funding boost for 3 African sustainable seafood startups

Ten promising startups from across Africa have been granted $55,000 in funding to accelerate their work in advancing sustainable solutions for the continent’s blue and green economies - with three of the successful startups focusing on fish and seafood.

The funding programme is part of the Africa Blue Wave and Regen Wave initiatives, led by BFA Global, FSD Africa, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in partnership with TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Action), OceanHub Africa, and supported by the Canadian Government. The aim is to address pressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development within Africa’s blue and green economies.

In addition to the funding, TECA and OceanHub Africa are also providing hands-on venture-building support and connections to investors, advisors, and support networks to help the startups progress.

Among the ten selected startups, three are focused on revolutionizing the fish trade and related sectors, showcasing innovative approaches to ensuring sustainable practices in the industry.

Hailing from Madagascar, Mada Fia is utilizing traditional Japanese techniques, known as Himono, to dry and smoke fish. The startup is also establishing a marketplace dedicated to these products, enhancing the value chain and promoting sustainable fish processing methods.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, Samaking is creating a chain of franchisable, tech-enabled fish retail shops. These shops will be complemented by upstream capabilities that aggregate produce from farmers and fisherfolk at scale, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for fish products.

And in Tanzania, solar-powered ice maker specialist Sunwave is addressing the critical need for sustainable fish storage. Their technology is designed to reduce post-harvest losses by providing a reliable cooling solution, which is particularly crucial in areas lacking consistent access to electricity.

These startups, alongside others selected in the program, were chosen for their innovative approaches to critical challenges such as renewable energy certification, environmental pollution, and waste management.

Notably, 50% of the ten selected startups are women-led, highlighting the growing role of female entrepreneurs in Africa’s green transition.

“We are proud to support these visionary entrepreneurs who are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing environmental and climate-change-related challenges," said Rasima Swarup, TECA Director, BFA Global, in a press release.

"The diversity and ingenuity of these startups reflect the continent’s potential for sustainable development. With the funding and support provided, we are confident they will drive significant positive change in their communities and beyond,” Swarup added.

“Africa’s talent is at the heart of a successful green transition on the continent. It is an honor to work alongside our partners to support innovators who are working towards solving critical climate challenges. The 10 selected startups have the potential to significantly improve the lives of climate-vulnerable communities while maintaining biodiversity, reducing waste and improving climate outcomes. We look forward to walking alongside them as their journeys unfold,” said Mary Kashangaki, Assistant Manager for Digital Innovation, FSD Africa.

“The triple planetary crisis is not waiting for us. It’s up to us to catch up and turn things around. Unleashing the regenerative potential of our economic engine represents the best chance for the world to address this crisis at both the scale and speed required," added Thomas Sberna, Regional Head, Coastal and Ocean Resilience, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa..

"The Africa Blue Wave and these startups are the perfect illustration of how to walk the talk and represent an incredible source of blue hope for the continent and beyond!” Sberna said.