BlueInvest Africa 2026 Opens Call for African Blue Economy Entrepreneurs

BlueInvest Africa 2026 has announced its call for applications from African startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the blue economy. The event is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2026, with the application window open until February 13, 2026.

Eligible applicants include businesses registered and actively operating in African Union member countries, focusing on sectors such as sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, blue technology and marine renewable energy, maritime transport and logistics, coastal and marine tourism, and circular economy initiatives aimed at pollution reduction.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to both private and public investors, receive tailored pitch coaching, and engage in networking sessions. The event also offers a platform to showcase solutions in Cape Town, recognized as a vibrant hub for innovation and ocean impact.

Since its inception in 2022, BlueInvest Africa has supported over 80 innovative startups, chosen from more than 700 applications, and has facilitated connections with over 40 investors committed to ocean impact across the continent.

In the 2025 edition, six entrepreneurs were recognized for excellence in areas including aquaculture, blue biotechnology, circular economy, and ocean regeneration. The Grand Prize was awarded to STEP Tunisia for advancing fish farming technologies in North Africa.

Organized by the European Union in partnership with the Government of South Africa, BlueInvest Africa 2026 aims to foster partnerships for sustainable innovation and impact across Africa's coastal and inland waters.