The Ocean Innovation Africa Summit commenced today at the Durban ICC, bringing together industry leaders from across the maritime sector.

Moderated by Captain Londy Ngcobo – the summit will feature keynote addresses, workshops, panel discussions, and spit-fire questions from the audience, all focused on advancing the ocean economy and identifying solutions to key challenges facing the sector, with a shared commitment to ensuring these challenges are effectively resolved.

At its core, the summit, which will span over the course of three days, focuses on how to transform the city and its surrounds into a resilient urban space – one that integrates economic opportunity with environmental sustainability.

By convening thought leaders and key stakeholders, the summit seeks to demonstrate the economic viability of a more sustainable blue economy in Africa, while inspiring a new generation of ocean-conscious entrepreneurs.

In her keynote address, Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, called for the urgent need for intervention to protect the state of the ocean.

In addition, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba stated that the success of the blue economy must be seen to translate into tangible benefits.

Marine Industry Development Head at the eThekwini Municipality, Nomalanga Sokhela, emphasised that the municipality is working on a number of scalable projects, in partnership with community organisations, universities, and state-owned enterprises, to address and build sustainability within the Durban port system.