The African Boating Conference is proud to announce that ABS Maritime has committed as the presenting sponsor of the pivotal session “Charting New Horizons – Establishing a Superyacht Route around Southern Africa” at the inaugural conference taking place on 21-22 October 2025 in Cape Town.

This landmark session, moderated by Hillary Buckman, Founder and Director of Ocean Media Australia, will bring together industry specialists to collaboratively map out how to transform Africa’s dramatic coastline—from Mozambique’s pristine waters to Namibia’s rugged shores—into the world’s next premier superyacht cruising circuit.

“South Africa is steadily gaining interest as an emerging destination for superyachts and expedition vessels,” said Leroy Basson, Managing Director of ABS Maritime. “Our entry into the superyacht support market marks an exciting step as we help lay the foundation for future growth in the region. Sponsoring this event allows us to engage with industry leaders and highlight Africa’s potential as a compelling and world-class yachting destination in the making.”

Strategic Route Development with Industry Leaders

The session features an exceptional panel of route development specialists who possess the expertise to transform vision into reality:

• Dave Elton (Managing Director, Del Shipping & Trading) brings 49 years of maritime agency experience, having handled the world’s largest superyachts in South African ports and serving as a vocal advocate for expanding regional superyacht presence.
• Andrew Bance (Founder/Managing Director, Pangaea), a former yacht captain turned expedition specialist, offers expertise in remote region navigation and transformative luxury experiences.
• Gilbert d’Offay (Manager, Asia Pacific Superyachts, Seychelles) provides regional superyacht operations expertise with deep understanding of Indian Ocean cruising requirements.
• Don McKee (Co-Founder, YOA Yacht Crew) contributes a decade of superyacht experience on vessels up to 90m, along with global crew recruitment insights and industry training expertise.

Beyond Infrastructure to Implementation

Rather than theoretical discussions, this panel will provide information on destinations, natural route flows, and infrastructure capabilities while addressing critical gaps in marinas, fuel, provisioning, refit services, and regulatory frameworks that currently limit regional development.

ABS Maritime: Building Tomorrow’s Yachting Infrastructure Today

Under the leadership of Managing Director Leroy Basson and Head of Agency Brent Kruger, ABS Maritime Agency Services is expanding their expertise to meet the specific requirements of superyachts and luxury expedition vessels. Their comprehensive 360-degree solutions include ship agency services, crew and personnel logistics, vessel repairs, dry docking, procurement, bunker calls, and full financial management.

Brad Inggs, Maritime Operator: “Sponsoring this inaugural conference and keynote signals a new chapter for the superyacht and luxury expedition vessel sector in South Africa. At ABS Maritime, we’re focused on building a reliable support network that delivers a 360 solution, care, and operational efficiency for visiting yachts.”

Economic Impact and Regional Transformation

The development of a Southern African superyacht route represents significant economic opportunity for the region. Superyachts typically spend large amounts during port call, creating substantial economic impact through provisioning, crew wages, maintenance services, and luxury tourism activities.

“The superyacht industry represents one of the highest-value segments in marine tourism,” notes Veda Pretorius, Conference Director. “Establishing a viable Southern African route could generate millions in annual economic activity while positioning our region alongside established destinations like Australia and the Pacific Islands.”

Industry Momentum Building

The session comes at a time of unprecedented interest in African destinations among superyacht owners and charter companies seeking new, authentic experiences. Recent successful calls by major superyachts to Cape Town, Durban, and regional destinations have demonstrated both the appetite and potential for route development.

The African Boating Conference, held under the theme “Boating as Catalyst for Economic Growth,” provides the ideal platform for this strategic discussion, bringing together the industry expertise, government support, and investment capital necessary to transform potential into reality.

For more information on the African Boating Conference 2025, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities: www.africanboatingconference.com

A Legacy Born on the Water

The Victron Energy story began in 1975 when founder Reinout Vader, then a young physics student, repaired an inverter powering a small aquarium in his vehicle, that kept marine life alive during a long journey. That roadside solution sparked a vision: to create reliable, resilient energy systems that boaters and communities could depend on anywhere in the world.

Fifty years later, Victron has grown into a global brand synonymous with innovation and independence, trusted in sectors ranging from superyachts and expedition vessels to fishing fleets, eco-lodges, and off-grid communities. Its signature Blue Power systems have become a symbol of engineering excellence and reliability across the marine industry.

Powering the Marine Industry for Five Decades

Victron’s contribution to the marine sector is profound:

• Engineering Excellence – Flexible, modular systems that adapt to the demands of leisure craft, commercial fleets, and expedition yachts.
• Unmatched Reliability – Technology trusted by operators in the harshest marine environments, from the icy waters of the Arctic to Africa’s remote coastlines.
• Sustainable Impact – Enabling the transition toward renewable energy through solar, storage, and advanced monitoring solutions.

In Africa, Victron systems already support the blue economy — powering marinas, yacht operators, fishing cooperatives, and coastal tourism ventures, ensuring that livelihoods and leisure activities alike are supported by clean, resilient energy.

Standing with Africa’s Boating Community

Andre du Rand, Sales Manager Southern Africa said: “By supporting the African Boating Conference, we continue empowering maritime professionals with solutions built on decades of reliability and future-ready innovation.”

By sponsoring the African Boating Conference, Victron Energy reaffirms its commitment to helping shape the continent’s marine and tourism future. The conference provides a vital platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to collaborate on sustainable growth strategies for Africa’s waterways and oceans.www.africanboatingconference.com

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About Victron Energy

Founded in 1975 in the Netherlands, Victron Energy has grown into a worldwide leader in power conversion and energy storage solutions. Its product range includes inverters, chargers, solar systems, batteries, and award-winning remote monitoring platforms. From yachts and RVs to industrial and off-grid applications, Victron empowers professionals, adventurers, and communities with energy independence.

For more information, visit: www.victronenergy.com

For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information about the African Boating Conference 2025, please contact:

Maryanne Edwards

Email. Maryanne@africanboatingconference.com

Mobile. (61) 0412916036

The recently announced African Boating Conference (ABC) scheduled for October 21-22 in Cape Town and hosted by the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,looks set to spotlight the continent’s marine industry potential. Here Maryanne Edwards, director of marketing and development at ABC, talks to Vanessa Davidson, CEO of SABBEX, about market challenges and opportunities

Maryanne Edwards: What are some of the regulatory challenges or incentives that either impede or support growth in Africa’s marine industry?

Vanessa Davidson: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a milestone to support Africa’s aspirations for a single market for goods and services across the continent, but it is in the early stages of implementation. Whilst progress has been slow, I believe in time, AfCFTA could be of benefit to the marine industry.

Some countries have adopted marine focused economic development policies such as Seychelles, Mauritius and Kenya. In South Africa, the Oceans Economy Master Plan is going through its final stages before its presentation to Cabinet by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, hopefully before the African Boating Conference.

We are starting to see more port concessioning to private operators, such as Nigeria and Angola. In Namibia port upgrades and efficiencies, a strong oil and gas exploration agenda, as well as green hydrogen aspirations support growth. In Mozambique the potential for coastal tourism is good but political and logistical risks are high. Mauritius has a business-friendly environment particularly with marine tourism, shipping registry and investor incentives. Seychelles is another country that is increasingly investor-friendly in the marine space with marina developments and port upgrades on the cards.

Challenges with varying maritime regulations and unclear standards across countries can make cross-border operations complex. The limited use of digitised systems slows down customs and port operations. In several West and Central African countries marine operators complain about informal fees, unclear taxes and permit delays. Financing and foreign currency regulations can be challenging.

For South Africa, the imminent end to AGOA at the end of September, combined with ever-changing tariffs with the USA could potentially have a negative impact on boat building exports and marine component exports.

What do you see are the biggest openings for global suppliers in Africa’s marine market?

Vanessa Davidson: For global suppliers to have an established base in Africa from which to provide maritime logistic services is an opportunity. Having personnel experienced and competent in providing services and maintenance in the African context gives a niche advantage. Effectively, optimising and shortening supply chains to the end-user and by-passing corruption and red tape gives an economic advantage.

For example, when supplying a commercial work boat into the African market, the boat builder or services supplier needs to provide full lifecycle support to the client including training, parts supply, monitoring maintenance and most importantly understanding the local conditions and context under which that vessel will operate.

As port infrastructure and marinas are developed, opportunities will present themselves, but they will only be sustained if there is an effective operating and investment model that optimises all players in the value chain.

In South Africa, we see the need for training in the African market in seafaring, maritime safety, port operations and new opportunities in low carbon fuel options for the shipping sector.

For global businesses looking to enter the African market, how difficult is it to do business on the continent? Is there a significant difference between doing business in Africa as a whole versus specifically in South Africa?

Vanessa Davidson: The ease of doing business on the continent varies from country to country. South Africa’s legal, banking, and regulatory frameworks make it a comparatively easy country in which to do business with access to information and legal services.

Countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, Ghana, and Kenya rank favourably in terms of policy and investor support. But smaller island states such as Comoros and Madagascar have under-developed infrastructure and high levels of bureaucracy. The Maldives is currently looking favourable for foreign investment in marine tourism and services and in sustainability-linked sectors.

For global businesses looking to enter the African market my advice is to research extensively, acquire local knowledge, be aware of regional differences and be prepared to be patient with several layers of bureaucracy that may not always seem logical from the context of your home country.

Who are the main manufacturers in Africa’s marine industry?

Vanessa Davidson: South Africa is Africa’s leading marine manufacturing base. With a strong recreational and commercial boat building sector, South Africa produces sailing and power catamarans, patrol craft, ferries, small ships, semi rigids, rescue craft, OPL vessels and dive boats. With a strong composite, aluminium and steel fabrication knowledge, South Africa competes on the world stage. Robertson and Caine, Two Oceans Marine, Nexus, Southern Wind Shipyard, Vision Yachts, and others export the majority of their vessels and regularly win international awards. With international certification in place and a strong skills base they have an advantage in the African market.

A growing strength in South Africa is component manufacture, both in the recreational and commercial boat building supply chain. Technological advancements in composites and additive and subtractive manufacturing, supported by investments into CNC and 3D printing facilities drive a vibrant marine component sector.

Ship building and fishing vessel construction are another South African strength with the infrastructure and dry-docking facilities to support manufacture and repair. Transnet National Ports Authority have indicated a Ship Repair strategy is in the final stages, although some players in the market are fatigued by the slow pace of progress in upgrading and maintaining the dry docks and port servicing equipment.

Egypt’s manufacturing is driven by support to the Suez Canal, be it, dredging, ferry construction, tugboats or canal support equipment. Notable names are Alexandria Shipyard and Suez Shipyard as well as Arab Contractors Shipyard.

Nigeria on the other hand is driven by the oil and gas and offshore support sector. The largest player is Nigerdock, a maritime and logistics company that operates the Snake Integrated Free Zone in Lagos. Last year Nigerdock finalised a 45-year concession agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority for the development of Snake Island Port, to create an 85-hectare multipurpose port facility with three terminals. It is expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate growth in the blue economy in Nigeria.

On the East Coast in Kenya, a recently launched naval and commercial shipbuilding facility called Mombasa Shipyard, a partnership between the Kenyan Navy and Damen, is starting to see increased maritime repair and build activity.

What are the key issues facing African general marine businesses today?

Vanessa Davidson: If one compares ports and logistics in Europe to Africa, there is much work still to be done to address congestion and inefficiencies at major ports. Intermodal connectivity severely hampers supply chains, with key infrastructure projects such as roads, waterways and rail needing either development or maintenance. Different African government priorities and budgets do not always align to optimise regional or continental integration. Exacerbated by the size of the continent, geographies, and climates there is much still to be done.

Skills shortages particularly in naval architecture, design and technical and artisanal competence are a challenge. Whilst governments work to drive down unemployment figures which are high in Africa, work visas for foreigners are very difficult to get, making skills transfer and tech transfer a challenge. In those countries, such as South Africa, where there is a strong marine manufacturing base, we are experiencing the loss of experienced personnel to other countries. Whilst it is testament to the calibre of training and experience in South Africa, it is a challenge in the development and maintenance of a skills pipeline.

Security continues to be a concern in certain parts of Africa. ISIS activity in Northern Mozambique, piracy, and armed robbery in parts of the Gulf of Guinea, require a high-risk appetite from investors and business operators. Many countries lack the capacity to patrol their jurisdictional waters, and over-fishing continues to plague certain parts of Africa.

Accessing affordable finance, especially for SMEs in the sector, is a challenge and very often a lack of understanding from banking institutions or development finance banks about the specificity of marine financing products creates challenges.

On the positive side, there are regional collaborations and climate funding for coastal resilience and green shipping is increasing. The growth of private public partnerships in ports and free zones create opportunities, although they take time and need collective effort. The resilience, tenacity and acumen of African business operators is well-known and a positive attribute in an often changing political and economic climate.

To spotlight these developments and champion the African marine industry, Michael England, CEO of Ullman Sails International, will join a high-profile panel at the conference. With extensive experience in international manufacturing and trade, Michael will offer insights into how local innovation and strategic global partnerships are reshaping Africa’s position in the world of sailing.

“As a long-standing manufacturer in South Africa, we’ve seen firsthand the potential of Africa as a centre of excellence in the global marine sector,” says Michael England. “Being part of the African Boating Conference allows us to share our story, learn from others, and advocate for the policies and infrastructure needed to support further growth.”

With operations spanning the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Australia, Ullman Sails is one of the world’s most respected performance sailmakers — supplying everyone from dinghy racers to superyacht owners. Central to its global strategy is its manufacturing facility in Cape Town, now in its 8th year under full Ullman ownership. This hub plays a critical role in ensuring quality, turnaround times, and supply consistency for clients around the world, while also serving as a model for how Africa can lead in advanced marine manufacturing.

As the company marks this 58-year milestone, it is also launching two new products in September — TriTex and Axia. England stated, “These products represent the culmination of decades of design expertise, advanced materials research, and a deep understanding of what sailors need to perform at their best.”

This moment also underscores Ullman Sails’ growing impact in Africa — through continued investment in local manufacturing, cutting-edge product development, and strategic involvement in key industry events such as the upcoming African Boating Conference.

The conference brings together leading voices from across Africa and the world to examine how the continent can unlock its full marine potential — from infrastructure development and blue economy growth to building a skilled workforce, attracting superyachts, and facilitating stronger international trade. With its deep African roots and global presence, Ullman Sails is uniquely positioned to contribute to these conversations.

Cape Town is playing host to an exciting new event later this year aimed at building on the potential of the boating sector across the African continent. Scheduled for October, the first ever African Boating Conference is a long overdue addition to the maritime calendar and focuses on a sector that is not often included in formal discussions. Maritime Review Africa spoke with organiser, Veda Pretorius, about what participants can expect and her ambitions to foster a boating ecosystem that includes the development of marinas, slipways, repairs, equipment and more.  

Maritime Review Africa (MRA): What are the benefits of developing an African boating sector and do you believe it will have a positive spin-off for more than just the tourist sector by boosting boatbuilding and promoting the boating lifestyle amongst Africans?

Veda Pretorius (VP): The recreational marine industry and its potential benefits are nuanced and multilayered. It is about manufacturing, participation AND Africa as a destination.

By increasing participation in boating and promoting the lifestyle associated with the activity, boat ownership and boat sales are stimulated. Alternative models of boat ownership and usage, such as boat clubs and fractional ownership, are becoming more popular, and they also contribute to an increase in boat sales.

There is a whole industry that supports the boating lifestyle, from marinas and slipways to boat maintenance and repairs, restaurants and hospitality, and water toys and equipment. All of these elements benefit the economy and help sustain communities.

South Africa is a boatbuilding powerhouse, and an increase in boat sales, especially for the export market, also has a multiplier effect. For one direct job in the boatbuilding sector, it supports nine indirect jobs, according to SABBEX.

In addition, the global superyacht industry is actively looking for new destinations. With the rise of younger and more adventurous boat owners, there is a clear opportunity for key players in our region to collaborate and entice more superyachts to the area. Africa has unique experiences, diverse cultures and breathtaking natural beauty.

The challenges include a lack of information, inadequate regional coordination, and fragmented legislative frameworks, all of which can be overcome.

MRA:  How have similar conferences helped boost the boating sector in other regions?

VP: These conferences have two primary purposes: to inform and educate attendees, and to provide an opportunity for industry networking. When you bring people together to network and you create the right environment, collaborating on industry challenges naturally follows.

The challenges facing our industry, particularly from a manufacturing perspective, necessitate a collective effort to address them. The same is true of the opportunities in the superyacht sector, which require a strong regional network.

MRA:  Why is this an opportune time for Africa to consider the growth potential associated with the boating sector?  

VP: The luxury travel market in Africa has matured, and there is now a deeper understanding of service and the needs of UHNWI (ultra-high-net-worth-individual). This bodes well for the region’s superyacht destination ambitions.

The safety concerns in the Gulf of Aden have led to an increase in superyacht traffic around the Cape. By establishing a regional framework, as they have in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, we can now put Africa on the map.

In terms of the domestic boating markets, there is an increase in disposable wealth in some of the African economies. Boating is a fantastic leisure activity, offering an opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family. 

There has also been a significant surge in outdoor recreation and marine activities following the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, several marina and small harbour development plans are in the pipeline, which could present fantastic opportunities for investment and the creation of hubs for leisure boating.

MRA: Who can delegates expect to hear from at the conference and what important messages are they likely to hear?

VP: Well, this is a tricky question. We have spent considerable time finding world-class speakers in each of the sub-sectors or topics that we want to highlight so it is difficult to highlight one or two.

For the first time in decades, the South African government is focusing on marina infrastructure and small harbours, making it timely to have someone like Paul Darrouzet (a long time marina director) as a speaker. Marinas serve as economic catalysts, and he brings proven experience in developing world-class marina facilities.

Theo Loock from Robertson and Caine is a humble and insightful leader, and I am very excited about his presentation. He will address the practical realities of operating in an African business environment. I know his talk will resonate with many as the industry faces increased pressure from trade tariffs, skills shortages, and supply chain challenges.

It is crucial to understand that this conference represents a historic first for Africa. While other regions regularly bring together top marine industry leaders, we’ve never had this calibre of local and international experts gathered in one room on our continent.

This assembly of recreational marine sector leaders in Cape Town is unprecedented. The opportunity for African delegates to engage directly with industry giants, such as Anders Kurten from Fraser Yachts or Martin Baum from Pantaenius Insurance – having face-to-face conversations, asking questions, and building relationships – simply hasn’t existed in Africa before.

What other markets might take for granted, we’re creating for the first time.

MRA:  How will you position the conference to provide tangible outcomes for the boating sector that can be measured?

VP: We are positioning this conference as a catalyst for action, not just a forum for discussion.  We are working closely with local industry associations and government stakeholders to ensure that the conference has clearly defined goals and outcomes.

These include the establishment of a regional Superyacht Working Group to become the first coordinated regional framework for developing Africa as a superyacht destination. We will also provide a platform to create partnerships in the Skills Development and Training Sector – facilitating concrete partnerships between training institutions and companies to address the critical skills shortage.

MRA: What take-aways would you like to leave potential delegates with that you hope will encourage them to sign up for the inaugural event?

 VP: The overriding theme of the conference is Boating as a Catalyst for Economic Growth. While we are fortunate to have numerous examples of best practices from more mature boating markets it is vital to remember that this conference is In Africa, For Africa, About Africa.

We need to consider how we can adapt global solutions to the unique context of our great continent (and Indian Ocean Islands). And we need to build on the success of our local boatbuilding industry, which has been growing at an astounding rate over the last four years.

As the popular African proverb goes: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Building a sustainable and inclusive recreational marine industry in Africa will be both challenging and exciting. Join us. Let’s go far, together!

CREDIT: Maritime Review Africa

The first three priority harbour sites—Port Nolloth (Northern Cape), Port St Johns (Eastern Cape), and Port Shepstone(KwaZulu-Natal)—mark a major strategic shift from the Western Cape-centric infrastructure model. These harbours are being developed not only to support small-scale fisheries but to unlock potential for marine tourism, local enterprise, and marina development—key themes at the African Boating Conference 2025.

Tangible Progress and Phased Development

The completed SEDFs include economic viability studies, phasing plans, socio-economic assessments, and site-specific development options. These frameworks are guiding the proclamation of new harbours, with Port St Johns already entering the implementation phase, including slipway rehabilitation and basic service infrastructure.

Port Nolloth and Port Shepstone are also progressing through de-proclamation and planning processes, with broader visions to catalyze growth in underdeveloped coastal regions. A multi-year development plan is underway, with emphasis on inclusive access, public-private partnerships, and empowerment of local communities.

A second tier of 22 additional sites has been identified across the country. SEDFs for five of these are currently being developed, with completion targeted for Q3 2025/26.

Marine Tourism and Marina Potential

With growing demand for recreational boating access, these harbour developments present a unique opportunity to expand South Africa’s marina infrastructure. Existing yacht clubs and small boating operators have expressed concerns over escalating lease costs in commercial harbours—making the new harbours a critical release valve for marine tourism growth and a driver of coastal destination development. Each harbour is envisioned as a multi-use facility—incorporating zones for fishing, business, tourism, cultural craft markets, and potentially, mixed-use accommodation. This model holds transformative potential for rural towns, creating jobs and positioning new nodes along the South African cruising and charter route.

Public Investment and SMME Empowerment

So far, R5.1 million has been invested in rehabilitating existing fishing harbours, including dredging, slipway repair, and removal of sunken vessels. Over R137 million has been channelled into infrastructure upgrades in the Western Cape, directly empowering more than 100 SMMEs.

The upcoming phase will focus on state asset optimisation, with Hout Bay and Saldanha Bay identified for potential developer partnerships. Transactional advisors are being appointed to structure PPP frameworks, with the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) expected to generate revenue through long-term leasing and operational models.

Opportunities Ahead

Marina development and marine tourism are key themes at the upcoming The African Boating Conference, and positive developments like these will be under discussion at the event. For many stakeholders, the proposed harbour projects represent a foundational moment—one that could unlock new cruising destinations, attract tourism investment, and bring inclusive prosperity to coastal communities long left behind.

Veda Pretorius, representing Superyacht Cape Town, announced today that the inaugural African Boating Conference will take place on October 21-22, 2025, at The Avenue, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. This inspiring venue looks out over the V&A Waterfront Marina, and from here, you can look directly into the Aquarium’s 1.7 million litre ocean exhibit while participating in the conference. A unique experience.

This landmark event aims to bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and government officials from across Africa and around the globe to address key issues and explore opportunities within the African boating industry.

Delegates from key regions across Africa—including coastal nations, inland waterway areas, and emerging markets will gather to engage with global stakeholders eager to gain insights into the unique dynamics of the African boating market. The conference programme will facilitate meaningful discussions aimed at elevating the industry and promoting sustainable growth across the continent.

The conference, which has strong support by key government agencies, industry stakeholders, and prominent organisations dedicated to advancing the boating industry in Africa, highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the African continent.

The African boating sector holds significant potential, with South Africa emerging as a pivotal hub for marine operations and distribution throughout the continent. Key growth markets include Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Angola, which are all experiencing a notable surge in marine tourism and coastal marina developments.

As the primary import and distribution centre, South Africa acts as a strategic gateway for companies expanding their presence throughout Central and Southern Africa, enabling efficient product distribution and market penetration. 

Africa is firmly on the radar of the global marine industry, with South African boat manufacturers set to enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. market in 2025, following an eligibility review of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This act grants South Africa and other qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market for a wide range of goods. 

According to the latest State of the Industry report published by the City of Cape Town and its blue economy partners, the value of South African boat exports has more than doubled in the past four years, reaching R4.9 billion (£214 million). Employment in the sector has also seen significant growth, increasing from 3,700 directly employed in boatbuilding in 2021 to 4,800 in 2023. Notably, recreational boats account for 94% of all boat exports, with the sector reflecting an impressive annual growth rate of 22.33% over the last five years.

Conference organisers state that the conference will be thought provoking and challenging of the status quo with some venturing off the beaten track.  Africa is rooted in culture, there is unity in diversity and alongside industry stakeholders the conference will develop a strategy for a sustainable marine industry future.

Veda Pretorius extended an invitation to all stakeholders in the boating industry—manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, policymakers, tourism operators, and infrastructure developers to join this pivotal event.  “I have long felt that a platform is needed to showcase the African boating industry and create an environment for stakeholders to meet and develop a roadmap for the future,” remarked Pretorius. “I have received incredible local support from industry, government, and key stakeholders.”

Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stated, “I am thrilled to see that the inaugural African Boating Conference will be hosted in Cape Town. This prestigious gathering not only highlights the growing strength of our local marine manufacturing industry but also promises to attract more buyers and investors to our shores. As a proud supporter of the City’s business partners, I am delighted to witness the sector’s year-on-year growth, which translates into more opportunities for our residents and investors. We welcome all delegates to visit us and enjoy the wonderful and unique experiences we have to offer.”

Andre Blaine, Executive Manager of Marine & Industrial at the V&A Waterfront, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The launch of the African Boating Conference is a major milestone for the maritime industry in South Africa. The industry is well-renowned for its boat-building capabilities and quality personnel, and it is fantastic to see this showcased on home soil in Cape Town. Veda Pretorius has worked tirelessly to bring this event together, and her drive and energy will be a testament to its success. We at the V&A Waterfront are excited to be associated with this initiative and wish Veda all the best.”

The African Boating Conference 2025 will feature a comprehensive program covering site visits, critical industry topics, including sustainable practices, regulatory challenges, innovation in boat manufacturing, tourism potential, and marine conservation. Focusing on fostering dialogue and collaboration, the conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, candid discussions, networking, and exploring strategies for the future of the African recreational and superyacht industry sectors.

For more information on the African Boating Conference 2025, including registration details and sponsorship opportunities. www.africanboatingconference.com