The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre has been transformed into a hub for the regenerative blue economy as the second day of the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit reaches its peak.
The three-day summit, from 23 to 25 March 2026, has brought together about 500 delegates, including innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders, with the aim to drive the continent's blue economy forward.
Discussions have centred on key priorities, including scaling regenerative blue business models, promoting nature-positive growth, enhancing marine protection, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening community resilience, and building Pan-African innovation ecosystems.
On Tuesday, 24 March, the programme shifted from high-level plenary discussions to more practical engagements, further positioning Durban as a growing player in Africa’s maritime development.
Activities included immersive technology showcases, highlighting innovative solutions aimed at transforming how people interact with the ocean environment.
A significant focus has also been the summit’s dedicated business-to-business engagement platform, which has facilitated face-to-face meetings between global investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
These engagements are expected to unlock partnerships and investment opportunities needed to advancing Africa’s blue economy.
The programme also featured targeted workshops designed to translate strategy into tangible outcomes. Key sessions included the municipality’s Blue Finance workshop, Artificial Intelligence for Good initiatives, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – African Union Commission (AUC) Accelerator Programme validation.
These engagements aim to bridge the gap between international frameworks and local economic opportunities.
Takalani Rathiyaya from the city’s Economic Development Directorate described the summit as a catalyst for local growth.
“The Ocean Innovation Africa Summit is one of the City Manager’s flagship programmes. Our biggest asset is our ocean, and our residents must benefit from this dialogue,” Rathiyaya said.
He added that the workshops are aligned with the Blue Charter, ensuring the municipality implements tangible programmes to empower local businesses.
Outcomes from the day’s engagements demonstrated that the summit is evolving beyond a platform for dialogue into a space for collaboration and investment.
By linking international investors with local innovation and capacity, the event is reinforcing Durban’s position within the global blue economy.
As the summit concludes on Wednesday, the focus remains on ensuring that investment in the ocean economy translates into sustainable local development, job creation, and the protection of vital marine resources. – SAnews.gov.za
