BlueInvest Africa Invites Blue Economy Ventures to Apply

January 24, 2024 : The call for applications has officially commenced for the second edition of BlueInvest Africa, a pivotal initiative fostering innovation and investment within the burgeoning African blue economy. This premier matchmaking platform invites promising blue economy ventures across the continent to submit their applications by January 26, 2024, vying for the opportunity to showcase their projects and secure crucial funding and partnerships.

BlueInvest Africa, organized by the European Commission in collaboration with various partners, is a vital catalyst for sustainable development within Africa’s maritime and coastal sectors. Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural event in 2022, the 2024 edition promises to elevate the blue economy onto the Africa-EU political agenda.

This year’s theme, “Transformative Projects for Sustainable Seas,” emphasizes the initiative’s dedication to spotlighting groundbreaking projects with the potential to revolutionize various blue economy sub-sectors. These include, but are not limited to, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine renewable energy, ecotourism, and waste management solutions for coastal communities.

Thirty outstanding ventures will be meticulously selected through a rigorous evaluation process, granting them the coveted platform to present their projects to a panel of renowned investors, stakeholders, and policymakers during the BlueInvest Africa event scheduled for July 2024 in Kenya.

This exclusive stage empowers entrepreneurs to secure vital funding, forge strategic partnerships, and gain invaluable exposure within the international blue economy landscape. Participants from the inaugural event secured over €40 million in investment commitments, highlighting the tangible impact of BlueInvest Africa in bridging the gap between promising ventures and potential financiers.

“The African blue economy presents a treasure trove of untapped potential,” remarked Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms at the European Commission. “BlueInvest Africa is a powerful lever to unlock this potential, empowering African innovators to drive sustainable development and create blue jobs across the continent.”

Beyond individual ventures, BlueInvest Africa fosters broader collaboration and knowledge exchange between Africa and Europe. The event facilitates the sharing of best practices, promotes co-creation, and strengthens existing blue economy networks, paving the way for a collaborative approach to harnessing the ocean’s vast potential for sustainable prosperity.

As applications pour in from across the continent, anticipation builds for the 2024 edition of BlueInvest Africa. This pivotal event promises to illuminate the transformative power of innovation within the African blue economy, propelling the continent towards a future where ocean resources are harnessed sustainably for future generations. 

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