EThekwini Maritime Cluster

03/11/2026

🌊 DAY 2 | BlueInvest Africa 2026 - Live from Cape Town

Day 2 of BlueInvest Africa 2026 continues today, taking a closer look at the technologies, businesses and infrastructure that could shape the next chapter of Africa's blue economy.

🎤 PANEL: "From Pilots to Portfolios: Financing Africa's Regenerative Blue Economy"

Currently unpacking a critical conversation in today's panel discussion:

A frank and powerful dialogue unpacking:

💙 What makes the Blue Economy bankable?
💰 The realities of blue finance and investment
🚫 What’s a deal-breaker from an investor’s perspective when it comes to Impact Investment?

Also on the agenda today:

🤖 Data, AI & Robotics shaping ocean innovation
⚓ Maritime Services & Infrastructure
🏆 And a final moment to recognise this year’s standout pitchers

02/11/2026

LIVE FROM CAPE TOWN: 4TH Edition of BlueInvest Africa

EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) is excited to be part of the BlueInvest Africa Forum.

This prestigious conference is built on the shared value of multilateralism – bringing together a powerful community from the EU and Africa to communicate, collaborate, and partner on the future of the blue economy.

The conference brings together funders, innovators, and local blue economy stakeholders, with a primary focus on investing in African entrepreneurs and African innovations – driving sustainability, innovation, and investment.

We are proud to have our Enterprise Supplier Development Unit Head, on the ground representing EMC, engaging with partners, and championing opportunities for local enterprises in the blue economy space. She is also accompanied by our two beneficiaries from our Marine Youth Innovation Challenge winners, Navenshia Naidoo and Amanda Mdladla.

The 2026 edition is being held for the first time in South Africa and takes place at the Avenue V&A Waterfront from today, the 2nd and 3rd November 2026.

29/10/2026

Founder and CEO of Blue Bricks Enterprise, Siyanda Sibiya, was delighted to receive his 3D prototype for his innovation. He secured 2nd place in the Marine Plastic Innovation Category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge hosted by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, walking away with R30, 000 for his innovative project - Plastic Bricks.

Womaritime Experts Durban University of Technology Moses Kotane Research Institute

29/10/2026

🚨 OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! 🚨

The South African Shipping Gala 2026 is officially SOLD OUT!

14 DAYS LEFT

The Masquerade awaits... 🎭✨

The countdown continues! - Click on the link to view the countdown

https://canva.link/save-the-date-shipping-gala-2026

Check out this Instagram Post (4:5) designed by Maritime Cluster.

28/10/2026

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster participated in the International Conference on Coastal, Marine, and Maritime Research (COMMRE) at the Durban ICC!

COMMRE 2026, hosted by UNISA and DFFE, brought together experts from across the country to find collaborative solutions for sustainably managing our oceans and coasts under the theme: _Advancing Science, Innovation, Policy, and Equity within the UN Ocean Decade._

Our Head of Training and Skills Development, Mr. Zondo, took to the stage to share insights on:

👉 The gap between graduate skills and what the maritime industry actually needs in Durban.

👉 The pathways and programmes EMC is implementing to close that gap.

👉 How a Cluster acts as a broker connecting researchers, industry, and enterprise support

Skills development remains at the heart of building an inclusive and thriving maritime economy.

EThekwini Municipality

28/10/2026

🚨 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: CATEGORY R - SKIPPERS PROGRAMME 🚨

Gain the skills. Build your future. Be part of the maritime industry! ⚓

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) in partnership with Siyakwazi Marine Skills Development Centre and TETA invites unemployed youth to apply for the Category R - Skippers Programme.

Who can apply?

✅ Unemployed youth aged 18-34
✅ South African citizen residing in coastal & rural communities within KZN
✅ Physically & medically fit for maritime & vessel training
✅ Available for full programme duration at training site
✅ Interest in maritime activities

Stipend to be provided!

NB: Closing Date: 6th November by 16:00

📧 Send your CV, certified ID copy (full colour, back and front) and certified proof of qualifications (not older than 6 months) to:
Ms. Sindile Sishi - [email protected]

27/10/2026

Day Two of the reSURGEnce Durban Conference, brought together global leaders, industry experts and entrepreneurs at the Durban Exhibition Centre to explore Black business growth, international trade, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and opportunities in the creative economy.

Discussions underscored the vital role of women and youth entrepreneurs in driving inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities and building sustainable businesses.

As the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, these conversations resonate deeply with our mandate. As Durban strengthens its position as a gateway to global markets, collaboration, innovation and strategic partnerships remain key to unlocking investment, driving transformation in the maritime sector and growing the Blue Economy for lasting economic impact.

EThekwini Municipality

26/10/2026

Day 1 ✅ | reSURGEnce Durban Conference 2026

Day 1 of the reSURGEnce Durban Conference 2026 is in progress at the Durban Exhibition Centre!

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster is proud to be part of a dynamic gathering of global leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders exploring investment, trade and economic growth opportunities.

The conference once again highlighted Durban’s position as a leading investment destination and a gateway to global markets.

Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, the eThekwini Maritime Cluster remains committed to driving growth, investment and innovation in the maritime sector and the broader Blue Economy.

On to Day 2!

EThekwini Municipality

26/10/2026

Catch the eThekwini Maritime Cluster at the reSURGEnce Durban Conference 2026 at the Durban Exhibition Centre today.

We are here to connect, collaborate and showcase why Durban is Africa's leading maritime hub.

Come say hello! 👋

EThekwini Municipality

23/10/2026

♻️ FROM INNOVATION TO INCUBATION | YOUTH LEADING THE BLUE ECONOMY

From winning the Youth Innovation Challenge to building his dream machine!

Mthobisi Mbatha, who claimed 1st place in the Marine Plastic Innovation Category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge hosted by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster earlier this year, walked away with R50,000 in funding for his groundbreaking innovation - Wavecoin.

Today, his journey continued.

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster, in collaboration with Womaritime Experts, facilitated a hands-on learning experience for Mthobisi in Pinetown, west of Durban, where he examined a fully operational recycling machine - a crucial step as he works towards building his own.

He also visited Wilson Wharf to assess the pollution challenge firsthand and explore how his invention - Wavecoin: A smart environmental innovation that combines a smart bin system with a mobile application - can help provide a real solution to marine waste.

From concept to incubation, the future of sustainable innovation is in great hands!