An African superyacht growth strategy is to be developed to enconcourage the continent’s emerging superyacht and marine tourism sector.
Following on from an inaugural meeting of key African superyacht stakeholders, a working group has been established to drive the strategy forward.
The meeting was the first coordinated effort to unlock Africa’s superyacht potential, focusing on promoting Africa’s natural marine assets and attractions to help grow the superyacht sector.
Veda Pretorius, director of the African Boating Conference, will chair the working group.
The strategy will centre around five priority areas including policy and regulation, investment in infrastructure, marketing, skills development and sustainability and inclusion.
what we need now is regulatory alignment and regional coordination to welcome more superyachts.
Andre Blaine
“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.”
Christophe Caume, managing director of Madascarenes and Cyril Mahafahana, Madagascar Yacht Services, both representing the Indian Ocean perspective, agreed.
“Our region is already part of the global cruising circuit, but we need to make it easier for vessels to come and stay,” they said.
The world’s next great superyacht frontier
“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.”
The superyacht sector is seen as representing a high-impact opportunity for jobs, skills, investment, and inclusive growth.
“This initiative reflects a new level of cooperation across borders and sectors,” said Veda Pretorius, chair of the working group.
“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.”
The working group will now oversee the drafting of an African Superyacht Action Agenda, outlining clear steps for infrastructure expansion, policy reform, and international promotion.
