BlueInvest Africa 2024 calling for blue economy projects |31 January 2024

Seychellois entrepreneurs engaged in the blue economy stand a chance to secure investment, through the BlueInvest Africa initiative.

The second pitching competition will be held in Kwale County, Kenya on July 3 and 4, 2024.

Established, registered businesses who are already active in one or more sectors of the economy have until February 2 to submit projects capable of propelling Africa’s blue economy forward.

The call for projects is also open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) requiring support for their innovative ideas to flourish on African markets.

Projects must be under development, and suitable for deployment in one or more African countries. Furthermore, entrepreneurs must be able to demonstrate the sustainability aspect, in production, implementation, and the life cycle of the project.

Projects incorporating fisheries and aquaculture, bio-marine technology, coastal protection and nature-based solutions to address climate change are encouraged, as well as renewable energy solutions.

Businesses offering marine products and services such as insurance, monitoring and surveying, shipbuilding and shipping operations are also eligible, among others within the blue economy sectors.

Of the submissions, thirty outstanding projects will be selected for presentation to a panel of investors and stakeholders. The event anticipates the participation of some 200 attendees, along with remote participants from Africa and Europe.

Selectees from each venture will have the opportunity to pitch their projects, ideas, products or services, and to engage directly with both public and private investors to secure deals and financial support for their businesses.

The event will also provide a unique opportunity to access coaching and mentoring sessions, as well as access to various development banks and financial institutions.

Similarly to the first one held in Seychelles, the project presentations will be attended by various investor categories, as well as diverse collective entities such as business platforms, incubators and business angels.

Projects will be assessed based on compliance with guidelines and criteria, innovation and feasibility and technical expertise in the field.

BlueInvest Africa was initiated by the European Commission in 2022, to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs seeking financing, and international investors scouting for opportunities.

Additionally, it seeks to spotlight the untapped potential on the African continent, through the promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives, and innovative, sustainable solutions.

The first business forum to be held on the African continent was in Seychelles on September 7 and 8, 2022.

The event saw the participation of 165 participants who attended physically, with 37 African states represented.

Laura Pillay