African Boating Conference confirms Gulf Craft & Oceanco in speaker lineup
The African Boating Conference (ABC) has confirmed two key high-profile speakers for the event.
Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, and Paris Baloumis, director of strategic alliances at Oceanco, will speak at the conference, which returns to Cape Town on 20-21 October.
Their participation underscores the growing global relevance of Africa’s marine sector and reinforces ABC’s role as a key platform for industry collaboration, investment, and strategic dialogue.
Connecting Africa with the Middle East
Organisers say the inclusion of the UAE-based boatbuilder of luxury yachts, Gulf Craft, brings a powerful Middle Eastern dimension to the conference. As one of the key players in the global leisure marine industry, the company has built a strong reputation in emerging and high-growth markets.
Despite the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, in March 2026, the Gulf Craft reported it was close to opening a new dedicated production facility in the Emirate of Ajman.
As yacht owners and operators seek new cruising destinations, it presents a clear opportunity for Africa to position itself as a natural extension of Middle Eastern itineraries – supported by investment in marina infrastructure, service capability, and destination development.
Bamps (left) says: “As the global yachting landscape evolves, we are seeing increasing interest in exploring new cruising destinations.
“Africa presents a compelling opportunity, combining natural appeal with steadily advancing infrastructure. Platforms such as the African Boating Conference are key to aligning industry stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the development required to position the continent within the international yachting ecosystem.”
ABC says the presence of Oceanco at the event brings a powerful homegrown success story with true global reach. With roots in South Africa, Oceanco has evolved into one of the world’s most respected builders of large, custom yachts.
Paris Baloumis (left), director of strategic alliances, will offer a perspective on Oceanco’s evolution, its collaborative approach to innovation and its role in shaping a meaningful community around its brand. His insights are particularly relevant as Africa looks to unlock the full potential of its blue economy.
Baloumis comments: “Oceanco’s story is, and always has been, about people. From its roots in South African craftsmanship to who we are today, that foundation continues to shape everything we do, driven by a clear pursuit of innovation through collaborations. The African Boating Conference is an opportunity to share perspectives across regions and contribute to a more connected and forward-looking global yachting industry.”
ABC offers delegates a rare, full-spectrum view of the industry’s value chain and the opportunities emerging across it.
Maryanne Edwards, who has previously worked closely with both speakers, adds: “Having engaged with both Erwin and Paris at industry events in the past, I can confidently say they are consummate professionals – highly engaging, insightful, and consistently valuable contributors. Their involvement adds real substance to the African Boating Conference and will undoubtedly elevate the quality of discussion.”
What’s on at the African Boating Conference 2026
The African Boating Conference brings together global industry leaders, investors, and regional stakeholders to explore opportunities in marina development and the broader blue economy across Africa.
Three key local sponsors have returned and are confirmed for the 2026 edition: Seascape Marine Services, Ullman Sails, and MDM (Marine Distribution & Manufacturing), the South African distributor for Raymarine.
Their renewed support comes at a pivotal time for South Africa’s boatbuilding sector, which continues to navigate mounting global pressures, including US tariffs and increased competition in European markets. As major suppliers to local boatbuilders, these companies play a critical role in sustaining and strengthening the industry’s ecosystem.
The inaugural African Boating Conference in 2025 brought together over 200 delegates from 17 countries, including all of South Africa’s leading boatbuilders – many of whom have already confirmed their intention to return in 2026.
Backing African manufacturing
Seascape Marine Services, a founding sponsor of the conference, is a distributor of advanced technologies such as Seakeeper stabilisers and plays a vital role in bringing innovation to the African market.
Jamie de Jong, Director at Seascape Marine Services, says: “What an incredible honour it was to be part of the very first African Boating Conference last year. The passion, innovation, and collaboration we experienced truly reinforced our belief in this event & the future of Africa’s marine industry. At Seascape Marine Services, we are deeply committed to growing and supporting this sector, which is why we are so eager to return as a headline sponsor in 2026. Events like this don’t just inspire conversation – they drive real progress, and we are proud to play a part in shaping the future of boating in Africa.”
Ullman Sails SA, CEO, Michael Wittels, emphasises the broader significance of supporting both the conference and the continent.
“We see our partnership with ABC not only as testament to our long-standing commitment to sailing, but as backing Africa as a serious player in the global marine industry. We believe Africa’s tenacity will drive undeniable growth in the marine sector.”
Hylton Morris, managing director of sponsor MDM, adds: “The best B2B event in the southern hemisphere. Early adopters reap the benefit when everyone clambers to join.”
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