3 July 2024 - 4 July 2024
Diani, Kwale County, Kenya
Diamonds Resort, Diani, Kwale County, Kenya and Online
BlueInvest Africa 2024
Success stories
The 2022 edition of BlueInvest Africa served as a fertile ground for innovative and inspiring projects, highlighting the richness and diversity of entrepreneurship in the African blue economy sector. Among the notable successes, we saw initiatives ranging from the promotion of marine renewable energy to sustainable fishing practices, as well as solutions for eco-friendly maritime transport and the development of coastal tourism.
These projects, driven by passionate and visionary entrepreneurs, not only demonstrated their economic viability but also made a significant contribution to the preservation of marine ecosystems and the well-being of coastal communities. Their positive impact continues to inspire and guide the ambitions of the 2024 edition.
Featured success stories
Discover inspiring tales of innovation and impact. Highlighting breakthroughs in the blue economy from past BlueInvest Africa events, these narratives showcase entrepreneurs and SMEs who have transformed sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and marine energy. Their journeys embody not just economic success but a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community upliftment.
- Atarec Morocco: Oussama Nour, co-founder of Moroccan start-up Atarec, was the very first BlueInvest Africa 2022 pitcher. What he got out of the experience: a huge boost in visibility for his Wave-bBeat wave generator project, currently being tested in the port of Tangiers.
- Port of Cotonou: Two years ago, the Port of Cotonou embarked on an extensive programme of expansion and modernisation. This initiative, backed by the European Union and forged in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp, aims to uphold Cotonou's pivotal status on international shipping routes whilst steadfastly prioritising sustainable development.
- Kenyan mangroves: On the Kenyan coast, the mangroves are undergoing a resurgence, reclaiming their natural habitat. This vast endeavour encompasses environmental restoration, while also delivering economic and social benefits. Mangroves offer invaluable services to local communities, visitors, and the wider planet, making their preservation a multifaceted priority.
- Bellomar: Bellomar, a pioneering small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Cameroon, is making significant strides in research and development with a unique focus on recycling waste into valuable products. The company has successfully developed an innovative process to manufacture insulated bags from shrimp shells, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices.
- Aquaculture Briefs: African aquaculture, primarily focused on freshwater farming of tilapia and catfish, is rapidly developing. Most African states need to import fish to meet domestic demand. As a result, many entrepreneurs have seized the potential growth opportunities in this sector. Furthermore, in a context of rising population, increasing the supply of farmed fish has become strategic to enhance the continent's food security. Here are some notable examples marked by innovation.
- Aquatic Hub Afrique Network (AHAN) is a prominent player in promoting aquaculture development in Nigeria and West Africa. As a branch of Fish Shoal Nigeria, AHAN focuses on education and development, aiming to harness the growth potential of the aquaculture sector in West Africa. Since its inception in February 2017, AHAN has launched comprehensive training and initiatives that have reached over 75,000 beneficiaries.
- The Diawling National Park in Mauritania is preparing for ambitious development thanks to the European Reboot-Med project, which aims to relaunch sustainable tourism in the post-pandemic period. The project is part of an overall blue economy strategy for the sustainable management of natural resources and the economic development of local communities.