Show celebrates the Cape’s blue economy

Boatica Cape Town boosts boating profile

SOUTH AFRICA: Strategically located along the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s blue economy is a significant contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the annual boat show, boatica, is continuing to evolve to boost the city’s profile in this sector.

boatica - which will take place from October 27-29 2023 at the picturesque V&A Waterfront - is dedicated to showcasing multiple aspects of Cape Town's maritime and blue economy.

The blue economy encompasses a multitude of sectors, ranging from fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, marine conservation, to aquaculture. The city's strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean, coupled with its commitment to sustainable practices, positions it as a global leader in this critical arena.

“Ocean sports, for example, was a R1.38-billion per annum contributor to the Cape’s economy in 2018-2019. Research by the City’s industry partner, BlueCape, found that this sector is growing at rates of 20% and is now estimated to be valued at around +R2-billion,” says Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.

“Meanwhile, further research commissioned by BlueCape indicated that South Africa’s boat building market has seen a similar growth trajectory and in 2018-2019 was a R 2.2-billion industry also growing at around 17% per annum. In 2023 this sector is now valued at +R3-billion. With the bulk of marine products made in the Western Cape, it’s clear that this is a major industry for us,” Vos adds.

South Africa is increasingly recognised as a global leader in the boat-building industry, and boatica – which is funded by the City of Cape Town – offers a unique platform for the public to view internationally acclaimed boats built by local manufacturers.

Vos is immensely proud of the spike in industry growth. “As a City government, we recognise the immense value of the blue economy to the wider economy and are thus deeply proud to support gatherings such as boatica which raises the profile of local marine manufacturers and creates new business opportunities for them.

“There is huge appetite for Cape-made boats with local manufacturers processing orders for every work day of 2023 and contracting with major international organisations such as the New Zealand Navy, the United Nations and SpaceX. Through BlueCape, we are investing in the promotion of Cape Town’s marine manufacturing industry, the development of SMMEs in the sector, and upskilling Capetonians to meet the growing workforce demand.”

“We are very proud to have the support of the City in once again bringing this event to Cape Town,” says Michael Dehn, Managing Director of boatica organiser Messe Frankfurt SA. “Not only will there be some incredible boats on display, there will also be an extensive range of exhibitors, as well as exciting on-water activities to enjoy.”