OceanHub Africa, the continent’s leading accelerator dedicated to ocean-minded impact businesses, has officially launched applications for its seventh 12-month programme, aiming to select up to 24 high-potential for-profit startups that are actively working to conserve and restore ocean health across Africa.
Running since 2020 and backed by a growing network of corporate and philanthropic partners, the initiative has already accelerated 54 ventures that collectively raised over US$28 million in follow-on funding and created more than 400 direct jobs. This latest cohort will be split into two intakes – March and July 2026 – with applications reviewed on a rolling basis to allow promising ventures to join as soon as they are ready.
Selected startups gain entry into a carefully curated global ecosystem that connects them with ocean scientists, conservation leaders, impact investors, corporate off-takers and fellow entrepreneurs. As reported by Disrupt Africa, the programme has become a launchpad for African blue-economy innovation, with alumni now operating in 18 countries and tackling challenges from marine plastic pollution and sustainable aquaculture to offshore renewable energy and coastal community resilience.
The hybrid acceleration journey combines intensive in-person elements – including a one-week Cape Town bootcamp and participation in the annual Ocean Innovation Africa summit – with remote mentoring and masterclasses delivered via digital platforms. Participants also receive substantial non-dilutive support: up to US$75,000 in Amazon Web Services credits, more than US$40,000 worth of Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience Lab software licences for prototyping and virtual testing, plus a suite of legal, marketing and fundraising perks.
OceanHub Africa deliberately targets commercially viable solutions that address the triple threat of global warming, over-exploitation and pollution facing the world’s oceans. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Africa’s blue economy is already valued at over US$300 billion annually and supports 49 million jobs, yet remains critically under-invested relative to its potential and the urgent conservation needs of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Previous success stories include South African seaweed cultivation platform Kelp Blue, Kenyan recycled-ocean-plastic manufacturer Ocean Sole, and Moroccan sustainable fisheries tech venture Fishcoin – all of which have scaled regionally after completing the programme.
With Africa’s coastal population projected to reach 400 million by 2050 and climate pressures intensifying, OceanHub Africa’s seventh cohort arrives at a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs turning ocean challenges into profitable, scalable impact businesses. Applications are open online and will close once the 24 places are filled.
Apply here