Durban is reinforcing its status as a leading centre for ocean economy dialogue and innovation, as it prepares to host the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit from 23 - 25 March 2026.
The summit, organised by Ocean Innovation Africa, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), bringing together global and continental stakeholders focused on advancing Africa’s blue economy.
A major highlight of this year’s event will be the keynote address by Director-General of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Charlina Vitcheva, who will deliver the keynote address aligned to the summit theme: 'Accelerating and Scaling Out Regenerative Blue Economy Action.”
Vitcheva will also participate as a panelist in a high-level panel discussion titled “Blue Finance for Resilience: Shifting from Aid Dependency to Sustainable Local Capital'.
The significance of this annual event is reflected in its growing reach, with the 2025 summit attracting 593 delegates from 59 countries, including representatives from 28 African nations.
The summit will bring together policymakers, including practitioners, innovators, community leaders, investors, researchers, and development partners to explore pathways that support the uptake of African-developed solutions.
Discussions will centre on advancing regenerative blue business models, promoting nature-positive growth, strengthening marine economic expansion, community resilience, and the strengthening of pan-African innovation ecosystems.
Welcoming Vitcheva’s participation, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba said Durban is honoured to host a global leader in maritime affairs.
“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,” Xaba said.
Ocean Innovation Africa co-founder Alexis Grosskopf emphasised that the summit is designed to move beyond traditional conference formats by fostering coordinated, action-oriented outcomes among keyholders.
Grosskopf noted 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.
In her role, Vitcheva leads European Union policy on maritime affairs and fisheries, focusing on ocean health, sustainable fisheries, and resilient coastal economies.
She highlighted the importance of international cooperation, pointing to initiatives such as the European Ocean Pact, which serves as a blueprint for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.
“Partnerships, including those under the Global Gateway Strategy and initiatives such as Blue Invest Africa are critical to promoting sustainable ocean governance, supporting local value creation and unlocking investment in ocean solutions,” Vitcheva said.
Vitcheva emphasised the importance of international cooperation, stating that the European Ocean Pact serves as a blueprint for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.
“Partnerships, including those under the Global Gateway Strategy and initiatives such as Blue Invest Africa are critical to promoting sustainable ocean governance, supporting local value creation and unlocking investment in ocean solutions,” Vitcheva said, adding that protecting the ocean must go hand in hand with building prosperity for coastal communities. - SAnews.gov.za
