Igniting action to advance Africa’s superyacht sector

Working group established to advance superyacht sector

SOUTH AFRICA: Clear steps to outline a strategy for expanding opportunities in the superyacht sector on the continent are being taken following the establishment of a working group that aims to ensure broad regional participation and visibility.

Key stakeholders gathered after last week’s African Boating Conference at a roundtable to negotiate how representatives from government, industry and tourism can shape a unified strategy for the continent’s emerging superyacht and marine tourism sector.

Convened by Veda Pretorius, Director of the African Boating Conference, the roundtable marked the first coordinated effort to unlock Africa’s superyacht potential. Attracting input from both the private and government sectors, the meeting sought to identify clear steps for addressing infrastructure expansion, policy reform, and international promotion.

The outcome is the establishment of the African Superyacht Working Group, which will be chaired by Pretorius who was elected in recognition of her pivotal role in building collaboration across Africa’s marine and tourism sectors.

“This initiative reflects a new level of cooperation across borders and sectors. By working together, we can position Africa as the world’s next great superyacht frontier — one that combines economic value with sustainability and community benefit,” she said, reflecting on the positive nature of the discussions.

Strategic approach will align potential

 “There’s never been a more opportune time to align Africa’s marine and tourism sectors around a shared vision,” said Andre Blaine, Head of Marine and Industrial at the V&A Waterfront. “We already have the natural assets and technical capability. What we need now is regulatory alignment and regional coordination to welcome more superyachts, extend their stays, and maximise the benefits for local communities.”

Drawing on input from the roundtable where participants were encouraged to share experiences and highlight areas that require attention, the working group will concentrate on initiating actions to align policy and regulation with the needs of the sector – making sure that visa, charter and tax frameworks actively serve to facilitate superyacht visits.

“Superyachts are high-value catalysts. Every vessel that stops here supports dozens of local suppliers. By creating a clear policy and marketing framework, we can turn what is now an occasional visit into a consistent economic driver for Cape Town and the region,” said Bruce Tedder, Chair of BlueCape – a special purpose vehicle aimed at driving the blue economy in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Our region is already part of the global cruising circuit, but we need to make it easier for vessels to come and stay. Simplified customs and joint marketing between destinations like Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa will allow Africa to offer a truly world-class yachting experience,” added Christophe Caume, Managing Director of Madascarenes.

Caume and Cyril Mahafahana of Madagascar Yacht Services both participated in the roundtable, adding valuable insights and providing perspectives from the Indian Ocean experience.

Priority areas identified

Apart from the need to understand existing policy and regulations, the group will seek to focus on promoting infrastructure investment that expands marina and refit capacity across key African and Indian Ocean hubs.

The need for skills development was also highlighted during the discussions. Training and employment pathways need to be built in yacht services, engineering and tourism. Training and employment opportunities will also help promote inclusivity and foster opportunities for local participation as well as broader economic benefit in the sector.

Ultimately the working group will also seek to develop a tailored marketing and branding strategy that positions Africa as a distinctive, high-quality cruising destination and route for the superyachts.

Participants agreed that the superyacht sector represents more than luxury tourism — it is a high-impact opportunity for jobs, skills, investment, and inclusive growth.

PHOTO: Participants at a focused roundtable committed to collaborate on an African Superyacht Action Agenda as part of a working group that represents both industry and government agencies. (© Maritime Review Africa.)

Shark longlining vessel fined Financing for maritime corridor will strengthen connectivity