The fourth edition of the EU-backed blue economy forum will take place on 2-3 November.
Photo: BlueInvest
Registration has opened for BlueInvest Africa 2026, with 25 blue economy projects selected to pitch to international investors at the event in Cape Town on 2-3 November.
According to the organisers, the projects were chosen from hundreds of applications submitted from 38 African countries. The selected businesses will present their ideas to investors as part of the fourth edition of the EU-backed initiative, which is designed to connect African entrepreneurs seeking finance with international investors.
BlueInvest Africa was launched by the European Commission in 2022 and focuses on projects linked to the development of Africa’s blue economy.
According to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the two-day programme will include startup pitches, talks from African blue economy representatives, networking and tailored matchmaking aimed at connecting businesses with potential investors and partners.
The opening of registration follows the selection process for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises from across Africa, covering sectors including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine and renewable technologies, maritime transport and logistics, coastal and marine tourism, and circular economy projects focused on reducing pollution.
Among the 25 selected pitchers are several businesses with links to aquaculture, including South Africa’s Feeding Africa Aqua Farming, Tanzania’s KCG Aquatec Fish Farming Consultancy Co Ltd and Bio1 Solutions, Zambia’s Lakefarms and Fishing Lodge and Bio Green Technology, and Kenya’s Constantnople Enterprise.
BlueInvest Africa says it has supported more than 80 startups from over 700 applications since its launch, connecting participating entrepreneurs with more than 40 investors focused on ocean-related impact in Africa.
The 2026 event is organised by the European Union in partnership with the Government of South Africa. Full details of the participating startups can be found via the BlueInvest website.
