Inaugural African Boating Conference confirmed for Cape Town
Superyacht Cape Town director Veda Pretorius has confirmed the inaugural African Boating Conference is set to take place on 21-22 October 2025 at The Avenue, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
The event will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives from Africa and beyond to examine key issues and explore opportunities within the African boating industry. Delegates from coastal nations, inland waterway regions, and emerging markets will join international stakeholders to exchange insights on the African boating sector, with a conference programme focused on discussions around industry development and sustainable growth.
Superyacht Cape Town director Veda Pretorius.
Pretorius, who is the current chair of the GMBA and is based in South Africa, says the event has received backing from government agencies, industry stakeholders and organisations involved in advancing the boating sector in Africa.
South Africa plays a central role in the African boating industry, serving as a key hub for marine operations and distribution. The global marine industry has shown increasing interest in Africa, with South African boat manufacturers set to benefit from duty-free access to the US market in 2025 under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This agreement allows eligible African nations to export goods to the U.S. without tariffs.
Growth is evident in countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Angola, where marine tourism and marina developments are expanding.
According to the City of Cape Town’s latest State of the Industry report, the value of South African boat exports has risen over the past four years, reaching R4.9bn (£214m). Employment in boatbuilding has grown from 3,700 in 2021 to 4,800 in 2023. Recreational boats account for 94 per cent of all exports, with the sector experiencing an annual growth rate of 22.33 per cent over five years.
“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,” says 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, adds: “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.”
The African Boating Conference 2025 will include site visits and discussions on sustainability, regulatory challenges, boat manufacturing innovation, tourism and marine conservation.
The post Inaugural African Boating Conference confirmed for Cape Town appeared first on Marine Industry News.
