Winners of the pitching competition at BlueInvest Africa 2025, held in Togo.
Photo: BlueInvest / European Commission.
The call for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises to pitch at BlueInvest Africa 2026 has opened, ahead of the event’s fourth edition, which will take place in Cape Town in November.
According to the organisers, applications are open until 13 February 2026 and are aimed at companies that are registered and actively operating in an African Union member state, with activities linked to the blue economy.
Eligible sectors include sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine and renewable technologies, maritime transport and logistics, coastal and marine tourism, and circular economy solutions focused on pollution reduction.
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative says it has supported more than 80 startups, selected from over 700 applications, and has connected entrepreneurs with more than 40 investors focused on ocean-related impact across Africa.
Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a mix of private and public investors, receive tailored pitch coaching, and take part in structured networking and matchmaking. The organisers say the event also offers companies increased visibility through a high-level platform linking African innovators with international capital.
In the most recent edition, held in 2025, six entrepreneurs were recognised for excellence across fields including aquaculture, blue biotechnology, circular economy initiatives and ocean regeneration. The overall Grand Prize was awarded to STEP Tunisia, for its work on advancing fish farming technologies in North Africa.
BlueInvest Africa 2026 is organised by the European Union in partnership with the Government of South Africa. The stated aim of the programme is to foster partnerships that support sustainable innovation and investment across Africa’s coastal and inland waters.
