OceanHub Africa launches Impact Report at Ocean Innovation Africa 2026 in Durban

OceanHub Africa (OHA) has launched its five-year Impact Report at Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) 2026 in Durban, marking a significant milestone in its mission to build a regenerative and inclusive ocean economy across the continent.

The report reflects the organisation’s first five years of work supporting ocean-focused entrepreneurship, strengthening ecosystems, and enabling coastal communities to thrive alongside healthy marine environments. It outlines key achievements, lessons learned, and the next steps required to scale ocean impact across Africa.

Building An Africa Led Blue Economy

At the core of OceanHub Africa’s approach is the belief that the Blue Economy must generate value that remains within Africa. This includes strengthening livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and supporting solutions grounded in local realities.

While policy and research remain important, OHA has focused on entrepreneurship as a practical driver of change, enabling faster, more adaptive responses to real-world challenges.

A Platform For Ocean Impact Growth

Over the past five years, OceanHub Africa has evolved from a startup support initiative into a broader platform that supports, connects, and invests in the ocean-impact ecosystem.

Its work has been guided by four strategic focus areas: enabling frameworks, capability development, enterprise-driven regeneration, and access to finance.

Through this model, OHA has supported 149 ocean-impact businesses, helping transform early-stage ideas into viable, scalable ventures while strengthening the broader support ecosystem.

Alexis Grosskopf, Founder and CEO of OceanHub Africa, explains:

“Rather than forcing a model the market was not ready for, we focused on building what was missing. OceanHub Africa evolved from a startup support initiative into a broader platform to support, connect and invest in Africa’s ocean-impact ecosystem.”

Measurable Impact Across The Ecosystem

The report highlights tangible outcomes achieved across the portfolio. Ventures supported by OceanHub Africa have mobilised more than 20 million US dollars in capital, demonstrating growing investor confidence in the sector.

Women’s participation has increased significantly, rising from 24% to 61%, reflecting a more inclusive and representative ecosystem.

In addition, the portfolio has contributed to the creation and sustainability of more than 1,700 full-time blue economy jobs.

Herland Cerveaux, Managing Director of OceanHub Africa, notes:

“Over the past five years, the impact has been measurable. Ventures in our ecosystem have mobilised over 20 million dollars in capital, women’s participation has increased from 24% to 61%, and our portfolio has created and sustained more than 1,700 full-time blue jobs. This demonstrates that disciplined, tailored support can build real readiness and long-term potential.”

Driving The Next Phase Of Ocean Innovation

By launching the report at Ocean Innovation Africa 2026, OceanHub Africa is bringing its progress and insights to a broader audience of stakeholders, partners, and investors.

The organisation aims to highlight how an Africa-led ocean-impact ecosystem is gaining momentum, while also outlining what is required to scale proven solutions across the continent.

Event Details

The Impact Report was launched at Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) Summit 2026, held at the Durban International Convention Centre.

Date: 23 March 2026Time: 14:00Location: ICC Durban, South Africa

Media and stakeholders are encouraged to request access to the full report and engage with OceanHub Africa to explore collaboration opportunities.