Blue Africa

20/08/2026

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF BLUE AFRICA 2026. 💙🌊

From the conversations in the room to the connections made between sessions, our guests helped make the inaugural Blue Africa Conference what it was.

Thank you to all the delegates who joined us in Lagos - industry professionals, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, young professionals, partners and friends of the Blue Economy.

Your presence, your questions, your ideas and your willingness to engage with the conversations shaping Africa’s maritime future made a difference.

We’re grateful you were part of the beginning. 🌍

Here’s a look at some of the faces that made Blue Africa 2026 special.

17/08/2026

“Blue Africa is simply not just an event, it is the beginning of a long-term platform.” 🌊

That idea captured the spirit of the inaugural Blue Africa Conference.

Across the conversations, one message kept coming through: Africa’s oceans and waterways represent an economic opportunity that can no longer sit on the margins of the continent’s development agenda.

From investment and port infrastructure to policy, data, education and skills, the discussions explored the building blocks needed to develop a stronger and more inclusive Blue Economy - one that creates room not only for established industry players, but also for the young people who will shape its future.

And perhaps the biggest question of all:
What maritime architecture does Africa need for the next 50 years?

The first Blue Africa Conference has started that conversation. Now comes the work of carrying it forward.

This is only the beginning. 💙🌍

14/08/2026

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay says the time is ripe for the private sector to increase investment in the Blue Economy to unlock Africa’s economic potential.

The World Bank and Standard Chartered Bank estimate that the continent will require roughly $70 billion in marine investment annually by 2030, spanning ports, fisheries, aquaculture, logistics, coastal resilience, and maritime infrastructure to leverage its potential. Current investment flows remain far below that level.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Blue Africa Conference and Exhibition (BACE) held in Lagos, Nigeria on August 13-14, the minister said the public sector doesn’t have financial muscles to fully and effectively invest in Africa’s vast coastline, spanning over 30,000 kilometers.

Private sector urged to invest in Blue Economy as Sierra Leone minister says public sector alone lacks capacity to fund economic activities within Africa’s over 30,000 kilometers coastline.

13/08/2026

HARBOURING SUCCESS. ⚓🌊

A look inside the first panel session at Blue Africa 2026: Growing Ports Capacity for Success in the Blue Economy.

A room full of ideas, perspectives and industry voices focused on one of the foundations of Africa’s maritime future - its ports.

More from this conversation coming soon. 💙

13/08/2026

HOW THE MORNING UNFOLDED AT BLUE AFRICA 2026. 🌊

The first half of the inaugural Blue Africa Conference featured a packed programme of keynote perspectives, expert presentations and focused discussions examining the realities and possibilities of Africa’s maritime and Blue Economy sectors.

From maritime cooperation and regional development to the infrastructure, investment and policy considerations shaping the sector, the sessions explored where Africa stands today - and where greater action could take the continent next.

The morning also featured a Sierra Leone case study, adding a practical perspective to the wider discussions and highlighting how Blue Economy ambitions are taking shape at country level.

And, of course, there were plenty of moments away from the stage -introductions, exchanges and a chance to put faces to the names shaping Africa’s maritime space.

A look back at the first half of Day 1. 💙

13/08/2026

Africans have been challenged to collaborate and own businesses along the Blue Economy value chain for economic prosperity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Blue Africa Conference and Exhibition (BACE) being held in Lagos Nigeria organised by Bahari Network in collaboration with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), and endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Bahari Network’s Executive Director Mudzithe Phiri said beyond conversations, Africans need to own business along the blue value chain, which include fisheries, shipping, ports and logistics, among others.

She said the Blue Economy has immense opportunities especially for Africa’s young population.
https://blueafricanews.com/blue-3/

13/08/2026

GOOD CONVERSATIONS DON’T STOP WHEN THE SESSION ENDS. 🤝🌊

Lunch at Blue Africa 2026 is giving delegates a chance to continue the conversations, exchange ideas and make connections beyond the conference sessions.

Because sometimes, the next big idea starts over lunch. 💙

13/08/2026

The inaugural Blue Africa Conference & Exhibition has officially opened.

The first sessions of Blue Africa 2026 set the tone with powerful perspectives on Africa’s maritime future, the opportunities within the Blue Economy, and what it will take to turn potential into progress.

From maritime power and resilient economies to ports, jobs and regional cooperation, Day 1 is about moving from potential to action.

A few moments from the morning’s conversations. 💙

13/08/2026

BLUE AFRICA 2026 IS UNDERWAY. 🌊💙

A few moments before the opening of the inaugural Blue Africa Conference in Lagos.

The conversations have begun. 🌍

13/08/2026

WELCOME TO BLUE AFRICA 2026. 🌊💙

The morning began with arrivals, registration and the first moments of connection as guests made their way to the Blue Africa Conference in Lagos.

From warm welcomes to conversations already beginning in the room, the energy was set from the very start.

Here’s a look at how we welcomed our guests to Blue Africa 2026. 🌍