BlueInvest Africa 2024

Our event is set to showcase 30 exceptional pitchers, each representing innovative companies and ventures within the blue economy. These selected individuals will be given the unique opportunity to pitch their projects, which can range from early-stage ideas to fully developed solutions. All projects must be rooted in the blue economy sectors and based in Africa, embodying sustainability at every stage of their lifecycle.

The selected pitchers will benefit from the following:

• The opportunity to deliver their pitch, presenting their project, business idea, product, or service on the stage in Kenya during the aforementioned event.

• The chance to engage in face-to-face interactions with both public and private investors with the objective of securing deals and obtaining financial support for their business or project.

• Access to coaching and mentoring sessions, either in group settings or on an individual basis, tailored to prepare them for their pitch.

• A unique opportunity to connect with fellow African project holders actively engaged in blue initiatives.

• Access to a range of side events covering topics related to financing opportunities.

• Direct access to development banks and other financial institutions.

• Promotion of their stories and projects through various media outlets and social media platforms.

Our audience of potential investors is diverse, encompassing private and public sector players from both Europe and Africa, including private banks, equity funds, and investment groups, all eager to invest in the future of the blue economy.

The pitch is a dynamic presentation lasting between 4 to 5 minutes, offering a concise overview of a company's project. Within this pitch, you will present the project's core concept, the product or service it entails, its functionality and purpose, its value proposition, the target market, its uniqueness and innovation, the costs associated with design, production, and delivery, its sustainability aspects, and the required investment, among other key details.

The primary objectives of the pitch are as follows:

• Capture the attention and pique the interest of the investors attending the event.

• Persuade investors about the project's profitability, growth prospects, and its potential for further development, ultimately seeking financial support for the project's expansion.

To achieve these goals, the pitch should be well-structured, focused, and compelling. You have the option to deliver the pitch in either English or French, as interpretation services will be available. 

It is important to note that the pitch must be delivered without the use of any notes.

Selected applicants in response to this call must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

1. Location and Registration:

   • The pitching company must be legally registered and actively operating in an African Union member country. The organizers will make a concerted effort to ensure a balanced representation across diverse regions within Africa.

   • Applications from women, people in need and young entrepreneurs are highly encouraged, fostering inclusivity and diversity.

   • The company’s head office or registered office must be located in an African country, and its primary business activities should be conducted within the continent.

   • It is imperative that the pitching company possesses intellectual property rights over the product or service proposed by their project. A self-certification guaranteeing that the company is the owner of the intellectual property (IP) or exclusive licensees is required.

2. Pitch Presentation:

   • The selected pitcher is required to be physically present in Kenya and deliver a presentation on behalf of his/her company, business, or project.

   • The designated pitcher can be a founding member, director, CEO, or any individual closely involved in the decision-making and management of the company or business.

   • Alternatively, a staff member designated by the company may also present the pitch. The pitching company is responsible for appointing a backup person who will stand in for the designated pitcher in the event of an emergency, such as illness or accidents. The backup person’s details must be provided in the application, along with an indication of their availability to step in. Proficiency in both French and/or English is a requirement for the backup person.

3. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Status:

   • The company or business must qualify as a Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME), adhering to the definition outlined in the EU Recommendation 2003/361. Determining factors for MSME status will be assessed based on established criteria.

   • It is essential for all applicants to fully align with the criteria to ensure their eligibility for participation in this opportunity. To be eligible, companies must meet the criteria regarding the number of customers and either turnover or annual growth rate (CAGR). More information available on the link below.

Blue Economy Focus: The project presented by the pitching company must center on a blue economy sector, whether it operates within a maritime or coastal area of Africa or in African inland waters.

The concept of the blue economy encompasses all maritime activities and sectors, encompassing both traditional and emerging fields, whether they are situated in marine environments or on land, including rivers, lakes, and deltas.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): The activities of the pitching company and the project being presented must demonstrate alignment with one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.

The event organizers are particularly interested in projects that exhibit a strong commitment to sustainability.