About 593 delegates from 59 countries, are in eThekwini for the Ocean Innovation Africa.
The Summit is held at the INkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre for the next three days.
Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, who leads European Union policy on maritime affairs and fisheries, is the Summit’s keynote speaker and is also expected to participate in a panel discussion.
She said the European Ocean Pact serves as a blueprint for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.
She also spoke extensively about the significance of partnerships, including those under the Global Gateway Strategy and initiatives such as Blue Invest Africa, which are critical to promoting sustainable ocean governance, supporting local value creation and unlocking investment in ocean solutions.
Discussions are expected to centre around working to promote ocean health, sustainable fisheries, a thriving blue economy, and resilient coastal communities.
Alexis Grosskopf, Co-founder of Ocean Innovation Africa, said Vitcheva’s participation will help bridge policy, investment priorities and practical pathways to scale regenerative ocean solutions across Africa, bringing valuable expertise across finance, innovation, science and implementation.
Last week, Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo Pieters, the MEC for Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, also led the Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Trade Market, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Picture: Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini, with Charlina Vitcheva, DG of the European Commission for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (left).