Africa’s boating industry has the expertise, manufacturing capabilities and international appeal to contribute more to economic growth. The opening morning of the African Boating Conference highlighted government’s recognition of the industry’s potential and the need to address practical barriers to growth.
Held under the theme “Boating as a Catalyst for Economic Growth”, the conference brought together government leaders, economists and marine industry executives to examine how stronger partnerships, effective policies and international competitiveness can translate opportunity into economic activity.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Alderman James Vos of Invest Cape Town highlighted government’s commitment to creating an environment in which marine businesses can thrive.
The discussions focused on understanding the challenges facing industry. Rather than simply promoting investment, the emphasis was on asking businesses directly what is preventing them from growing, exporting and creating employment, and then working to remove those obstacles.
The Western Cape’s Ease of Doing Business Matrix and dashboard provided an example of this approach, using measurable performance indicators to hold government departments accountable for addressing barriers to business and investment.
Premier Winde also highlighted his engagement in the United States over trade tariffs, noting that restrictions on South African boat exports have consequences for American businesses too.
South African boatbuilders incorporate substantial US technology, components and equipment into their vessels. Reduced exports from South Africa therefore also mean reduced business for American suppliers, illustrating the interconnected nature of international marine manufacturing and the importance of maintaining competitive trade relationships.
The message from government was clear: getting the fundamentals right, removing unnecessary obstacles and creating a business-friendly environment are essential to sustaining industry growth.
FNB chief economist Mamello Matikinca placed these discussions in a broader global context, highlighting the pressures of economic volatility, rising diesel costs, increasing debt, interest rates and financial market uncertainty.
She also explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence on economic resilience and competitiveness.
Despite these challenges, opportunities remain across African markets, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia and Mauritius, reinforcing the potential for marine industry development beyond established markets.
Speaking on the broader factors enabling progress in South Africa’s blue economy, Matikinca said the sector’s interconnected industries created multiple points for investment and job creation.
However, she pointed out that the investment case was strongest when individual assets such as ports, marinas and tourism were treated as an ecosystem.
“Investments in ports and marinas can attract more vessels; greater vessel activity can attract maintenance, repairs, supplies and other marine services. This in turn can support tourism, hospitality, local businesses, employment and further investment,” she said.
David Duarte of Treeshake challenged delegates to view artificial intelligence not simply as another business tool, but as a fundamental utility.
Just as electricity transformed industry, AI is ushering in an era in which intelligence itself becomes an essential resource.
For an industry reliant on engineering, design, manufacturing efficiency and international competitiveness, the implications are significant. Duarte’s presentation highlighted why adopting AI is becoming a commercial consideration for businesses seeking to remain competitive.
A panel featuring Two Oceans Marine, Gemini Marine, Southern Wind Shipyard and Nexus Yachts examined the commercial realities facing South African boatbuilders in an increasingly competitive international market.
Skills shortages emerged as a common concern, alongside supply chain pressures, changing trade conditions and the need to remain globally competitive.
The discussion reinforced that building world-class boats is only part of the equation. Access to skilled people, reliable supply chains, supportive trade policies and an efficient business environment are equally important to sustaining exports, employment and investment.
Conference director Veda Pretorius said the opening discussions reinforced the importance of bringing government and industry decision-makers together.
“What has been particularly encouraging is the level of engagement from government and the recognition that understanding the real barriers facing marine businesses is essential if we want this industry to grow.
"Africa has internationally respected boatbuilders, innovative businesses and extraordinary opportunities. But expertise alone will not unlock that potential. We need the right policies, the right partnerships and a commitment to addressing the practical challenges affecting competitiveness.
What is exciting is that these are no longer simply conversations about what Africa could become, but about what needs to happen to turn opportunity into investment, employment and sustainable economic growth.”
The opening morning highlighted the need to translate the marine industry’s potential into measurable economic results by addressing barriers to competitiveness, investment and employment.
The African Boating Conference, held in Cape Town on 20–21 October, brought together international industry leaders, government representatives, investors and marine businesses to explore opportunities across Africa’s recreational marine and blue economy sectors.
