Accelerating Africa’s Blue Economy
Collective action in motion
Hosted by Katapult Ocean Africa, Norad, Ocean Hub Africa
Discover how Norad, Katapult Ocean, and Ocean Hub Africa (OHA) have joined forces to drive the next generation of blue investments across Africa. This session highlights how collective action by DFIs, investors, accelerators, policymakers, and innovators is unlocking value and accelerating the growth of ocean investments on the continent.
Hear directly from two pioneering African start-ups as they share the key factors fueling their rapid growth and impact in Africa’s emerging blue economy.
Africa’s ocean economy holds vast, untapped potential. Unlocking it requires stronger collaboration among investors, innovators, DFIs, and policymakers. While climate investments have surged across Africa, ocean-focused funding remains limited.
This session explores how coordinated efforts can accelerate blue tech innovation, promote decarbonization and regenerative solutions, and unlock sustainable growth across Africa’s dynamic coastal and ocean sectors. Our panelists will share insights on how bold collaboration, built on consistent small steps, is creating momentum that will lead to exponential growth and lasting success.
⚓ Access is limited — Please read carefully
To access the session aboard Statsraad Lehmkuhl, you must also apply to attend Impactful Innovations Day and be added to the official guest list. Session sign-up alone does not guarantee access to the ship.
To attend Impactful Innovations day, you must
Apply to attend by 25 May through this registration page.
Receive a confirmation email. Please note: this Luma confirmation does NOT grant Blue Zone accreditation and does not guarantee access to the event or the ship.
Receive a personal invitation from our team — this is required to board the ship. This official invitation will be sent out in the coming weeks. Important: Be sure to provide accurate information during sign-up so we can issue your personal invitation correctly.
You also need to sign up for sessions separately as space is limited: https://lu.ma/katapultocean.
Only the sessions you’ve registered for will be accessible. You cannot remain on board outside of your registered times. Please check your inbox regularly for updates and instructions from our team.
⚠️ All attendees must receive a personal invitation from our team to enter the venue.
The ship is docked within the Red Zone during the UN Ocean Conference. Expect strict security protocols and factor in extra time. On the day of the event, you must bring:
A valid photo ID (passport is recommended).
Your personal invitation with name, organization, and event details.
QR codes for the main event and each sessions you’ve signed up for.
About Impactful Innovations Day by Katapult Ocean
This session is part of Impactful Innovations Day, a full-day event by Katapult Ocean aboard the legendary tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, docked at the harbor in Nice during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
Impactful Innovations Day brings together changemakers, global leaders, and investors to focus on transformative ocean solutions at a pivotal moment for ocean action.
With sessions and activities happening throughout the day, we’re creating a unique setting for conversations, new partnerships, and collective energy.
Be part of the solution.
See the evolving program here.
We’re not setting sail, but we are going places.