Boosting Africa’s boating ecosystem

Answering the needs of the boating sector

Maritime Review Africa (MRA): What are the benefits of developing an African boating sector and do you believe it will have a positive spin-off for more than just the tourist sector by boosting boatbuilding and promoting the boating lifestyle amongst Africans?

Veda Pretorius (VP): The recreational marine industry and its potential benefits are nuanced and multilayered. It is about manufacturing, participation AND Africa as a destination.

By increasing participation in boating and promoting the lifestyle associated with the activity, boat ownership and boat sales are stimulated. Alternative models of boat ownership and usage, such as boat clubs and fractional ownership, are becoming more popular, and they also contribute to an increase in boat sales.

There is a whole industry that supports the boating lifestyle, from marinas and slipways to boat maintenance and repairs, restaurants and hospitality, and water toys and equipment. All of these elements benefit the economy and help sustain communities.

South Africa is a boatbuilding powerhouse, and an increase in boat sales, especially for the export market, also has a multiplier effect. For one direct job in the boatbuilding sector, it supports nine indirect jobs, according to SABBEX.

In addition, the global superyacht industry is actively looking for new destinations. With the rise of younger and more adventurous boat owners, there is a clear opportunity for key players in our region to collaborate and entice more superyachts to the area. Africa has unique experiences, diverse cultures and breathtaking natural beauty.

The challenges include a lack of information, inadequate regional coordination, and fragmented legislative frameworks, all of which can be overcome.

MRA:  How have similar conferences helped boost the boating sector in other regions?

VP: These conferences have two primary purposes: to inform and educate attendees, and to provide an opportunity for industry networking. When you bring people together to network and you create the right environment, collaborating on industry challenges naturally follows.

The challenges facing our industry, particularly from a manufacturing perspective, necessitate a collective effort to address them. The same is true of the opportunities in the superyacht sector, which require a strong regional network.

MRA:  Why is this an opportune time for Africa to consider the growth potential associated with the boating sector?  

VP: The luxury travel market in Africa has matured, and there is now a deeper understanding of service and the needs of UHNWI (ultra-high-net-worth-individual). This bodes well for the region’s superyacht destination ambitions.

The safety concerns in the Gulf of Aden have led to an increase in superyacht traffic around the Cape. By establishing a regional framework, as they have in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, we can now put Africa on the map.

In terms of the domestic boating markets, there is an increase in disposable wealth in some of the African economies. Boating is a fantastic leisure activity, offering an opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family. 

There has also been a significant surge in outdoor recreation and marine activities following the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, several marina and small harbour development plans are in the pipeline, which could present fantastic opportunities for investment and the creation of hubs for leisure boating.

MRA: Who can delegates expect to hear from at the conference and what important messages are they likely to hear?

VP: Well, this is a tricky question. We have spent considerable time finding world-class speakers in each of the sub-sectors or topics that we want to highlight so it is difficult to highlight one or two.

For the first time in decades, the South African government is focusing on marina infrastructure and small harbours, making it timely to have someone like Paul Darrouzet (a long time marina director) as a speaker. Marinas serve as economic catalysts, and he brings proven experience in developing world-class marina facilities.

Theo Loock from Robertson and Caine is a humble and insightful leader, and I am very excited about his presentation. He will address the practical realities of operating in an African business environment. I know his talk will resonate with many as the industry faces increased pressure from trade tariffs, skills shortages, and supply chain challenges.

It is crucial to understand that this conference represents a historic first for Africa. While other regions regularly bring together top marine industry leaders, we’ve never had this calibre of local and international experts gathered in one room on our continent.

This assembly of recreational marine sector leaders in Cape Town is unprecedented. The opportunity for African delegates to engage directly with industry giants, such as Anders Kurten from Fraser Yachts or Martin Baum from Pantaenius Insurance – having face-to-face conversations, asking questions, and building relationships – simply hasn’t existed in Africa before.

What other markets might take for granted, we’re creating for the first time.

MRA:  How will you position the conference to provide tangible outcomes for the boating sector that can be measured?

VP: We are positioning this conference as a catalyst for action, not just a forum for discussion.  We are working closely with local industry associations and government stakeholders to ensure that the conference has clearly defined goals and outcomes.

These include the establishment of a regional Superyacht Working Group to become the first coordinated regional framework for developing Africa as a superyacht destination. We will also provide a platform to create partnerships in the Skills Development and Training Sector – facilitating concrete partnerships between training institutions and companies to address the critical skills shortage.

MRA: What take-aways would you like to leave potential delegates with that you hope will encourage them to sign up for the inaugural event?

 VP: The overriding theme of the conference is Boating as a Catalyst for Economic Growth. While we are fortunate to have numerous examples of best practices from more mature boating markets it is vital to remember that this conference is In Africa, For Africa, About Africa.

We need to consider how we can adapt global solutions to the unique context of our great continent (and Indian Ocean Islands). And we need to build on the success of our local boatbuilding industry, which has been growing at an astounding rate over the last four years.

As the popular African proverb goes: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Building a sustainable and inclusive recreational marine industry in Africa will be both challenging and exciting. Join us. Let’s go far, together!

Roundtable discussion unpacks way forward post UNOC 3