ABOUT US
A NEUTRAL PLATFORM FOR COLLABORATION
The Vision
The African Boating Conference was created because there’s nothing like this in Africa for recreational boating. While many events focus on the blue economy, no platform existed for recreational boating, boatbuilding, and marine tourism across the continent.
The African Boating Conference is an independent, unbiased platform bringing together diverse stakeholders without agenda or favouritism. Inspired by Australia’s successful ASMEX Conference, the conference facilitates open dialogue between governments, industry players, manufacturers, and service providers.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
The African boating industry faces global challenges: regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, ageing demographics, and skills shortages. These create opportunities to learn best practices, explore regional opportunities, and invest in transformative technology.
There’s growing interest in South Africa, Indian Ocean islands, and other African coastal hubs, but international information about our region is scarce. This conference gives countries a chance to share insights about recreational boating, boat building, and marine tourism.
WHY THIS MATTER NOW
The African boating industry faces global challenges: regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, ageing demographics, and skills shortages. These create opportunities to learn best practices, explore regional opportunities, and invest in transformative technology.
There’s growing interest in South Africa, Indian Ocean islands, and other African coastal hubs, but international information about our region is scarce. This conference gives countries a chance to share insights about recreational boating, boat building, and marine tourism.
THE SUPERYACHT OPPORTUNITY
A significant opportunity has emerged: developing a dedicated superyacht route through the Indian Ocean islands, around Africa’s coast, and into the Atlantic. With pressure on traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean marinas, less explored regions present major opportunities through regional collaboration—exactly what this conference facilitates.
THE SUPERYACHT OPPORTUNITY
A significant opportunity has emerged: developing a dedicated superyacht route through the Indian Ocean islands, around Africa’s coast, and into the Atlantic. With pressure on traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean marinas, less explored regions present major opportunities through regional collaboration—exactly what this conference facilitates.
BOATING AS AN ECONOMIC CATALYST
This theme reflects the core belief that boating can uplift communities and unlock economic opportunities. In Africa, with high unemployment and youth seeking opportunities, we see boating’s transformative potential – creating jobs, skills development, tourism revenue, and sustainable growth.
BOATING AS AN ECONOMIC CATALYST
This theme reflects the core belief that boating can uplift communities and unlock economic opportunities. In Africa, with high unemployment and youth seeking opportunities, we see boating’s transformative potential – creating jobs, skills development, tourism revenue, and sustainable growth.
MEET THE ORGANISERS
Your team
Two highly respected industry leaders bring the African Boating Conference to life, bringing complementary expertise to this landmark event.
VEDA PRETORIUS
Founder and Conference Director
Veda is a respected industry strategist and the founder of Superyacht Cape Town, an initiative dedicated to positioning Cape Town as a destination on the global Superyacht map. She also serves as Chairperson of Global Marine Business Advisors, an international network of marine consultants, bringing strong strategic insight and a wide-reaching industry network to the conference. As Conference Director, Veda plays a central role in shaping the African Boating Conference and driving its vision to connect local opportunity with global expertise. Her close ties to South Africa’s marine industry associations ensure the event remains relevant to local priorities while advancing regional cooperation. Veda’s leadership in building collaborative platforms has made her a trusted voice in Africa’s recreational boating and superyacht sectors.
VEDA PRETORIUS
Founder and Conference Director
Veda is a respected industry strategist and the founder of Superyacht Cape Town, an initiative dedicated to positioning Cape Town as a destination on the global Superyacht map. She also serves as Chairperson of Global Marine Business Advisors, an international network of marine consultants, bringing strong strategic insight and a wide-reaching industry network to the conference. As Conference Director, Veda plays a central role in shaping the African Boating Conference and driving its vision to connect local opportunity with global expertise. Her close ties to South Africa’s marine industry associations ensure the event remains relevant to local priorities while advancing regional cooperation. Veda’s leadership in building collaborative platforms has made her a trusted voice in Africa’s recreational boating and superyacht sectors.
MARYANNE EDWARDS
Director Marketing and Development
With a distinguished career as a globally influential industry leader, MaryAnne brings an invaluable international perspective to the conference. She established and successfully managed both AIMEX (Australian International Marine Export Group) and Superyacht Australia, developing them into respected industry organizations. MaryAnne also created and managed ASMEX (Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference), giving her firsthand experience in building successful marine industry events. Her global credibility allows her to attract international guests and speakers who can contribute meaningful insights to Africa’s developing marine sector. MaryAnne’s expertise in superyacht destination marketing will be particularly valuable as the conference works to position Africa as an emerging superyacht destination.
MARYANNE EDWARDS
Director Marketing and Development
With a distinguished career as a globally influential industry leader, MaryAnne brings an invaluable international perspective to the conference. She established and successfully managed both AIMEX (Australian International Marine Export Group) and Superyacht Australia, developing them into respected industry organizations. MaryAnne also created and managed ASMEX (Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference), giving her firsthand experience in building successful marine industry events. Her global credibility allows her to attract international guests and speakers who can contribute meaningful insights to Africa’s developing marine sector. MaryAnne’s expertise in superyacht destination marketing will be particularly valuable as the conference works to position Africa as an emerging superyacht destination.
Join us in October
We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town. After this event, you’ll be inspired to innovate, inspire, and impact Africa’s marine future.
Together, we’re building the foundation for Africa’s recreational marine industry.
Copyright African Boating Conference 2025 | All rights reserved