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.
Veda Pretorius
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
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
