Africa is positioning regeneration at the core of the global blue economy agenda, with Durban city in South Africa set to host the 2026 Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) Summit later this month.
Held in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, the summit will take place from March 23 to 25 at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Organisers say the gathering aims to position the continent at the forefront of a global shift from a “sustainable” to a regenerative blue economy, one that restores ecosystems while driving inclusive growth.
The summit will bring together policymakers, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, development finance institutions and community leaders to accelerate implementation, unlock investment and co-ordinate action across Africa’s ocean economy.
As host city and main partner, eThekwini Municipality says it is strengthening coastal management, supporting maritime and port-linked innovation, and aligning local development strategies with climate resilience and ocean sustainability goals. By hosting the summit, the city seeks to reinforce Durban’s standing as a continental hub for ocean innovation and investment.
Alexis Grosskopf, founder of OceanHub Africa and Spokesperson for OIA, said Africa stands at a pivotal moment.
“With more than 38 coastal and island states and a rapidly expanding ocean economy, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead a regenerative model, one that restores ecosystems, strengthens long-term stability and drives equitable economic growth,” he said.
Unlike traditional conferences, OIA describes itself as an ongoing action platform designed to move beyond dialogue to coordinated implementation.
The 2026 summit will focus on regenerative blue business models and nature-positive growth, innovative blue finance pathways, marine protection linked to economic expansion, and pan-African innovation ecosystems. It will also include solution-oriented workshops, business-to-business matchmaking sessions and investor dialogues.
An invitation-only Ocean Impact Retreat will follow from March 25 to 27 , bringing together select stakeholders to align finance, policy, science and innovation efforts, with the aim of translating summit commitments into measurable outcomes.
The global ocean economy is valued at trillions of dollars annually. However, overfishing, pollution, habitat loss and climate change continue to threaten both ecological systems and economic security, prompting calls for a shift beyond incremental sustainability measures.
Organisers say OIA 2026 seeks to ensure Africa plays a leading role in shaping post-2030 ocean-climate solutions and development pathways, while embedding a regenerative framework within global ocean policy discussions.
–ChannelAfrica–
