New working group to establish unified superyacht strategy for Africa
Key stakeholders across African governments, industries and the tourism sector gathered in Cape Town last week to establish a unified strategy for the continent’s developing superyacht and marine tourism industry.
The meeting, organised by Veda Pretorius, director of the African Boating Conference, represented the first coordinated effort to support Africa’s superyacht potential.
A major outcome of the session was the creation of the African Superyacht Working Group, tasked with leading the implementation of a growth strategy for the sector. Pretorius was unanimously elected chair of the working group, reflecting confidence in her leadership and her role in strengthening cooperation across Africa’s marine and tourism industries.
The group will develop a strategy built around five main priorities:
- Policy and regulation: aligning visa, charter and tax frameworks to encourage superyacht visits and refit activities.
- Infrastructure investment: increasing marina and refit capacity across Africa and the Indian Ocean.
- Marketing and branding: presenting Africa as a recognised and distinctive cruising destination.
- Skills development: establishing training and career opportunities in yacht services, engineering and tourism.
- Sustainability and inclusion: ensuring local business participation and environmental management form part of sector growth.
The inaugural African Boating Conference, held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on 21 and 22 October 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the African boating sector. The event brought together delegates and speakers from across the global marine industry to examine and shape the future of boating across the continent.
“There’s never been a more opportune time to align Africa’s marine and tourism sectors around a shared vision,” says 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.”
Bruce Tedder, chair of Blue Cape, highlights the importance of structured planning: “Superyachts are high-value catalysts. Every vessel that stops here supports dozens of local suppliers – from engineers to chefs, mechanics and crew. 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.”
Representing the Indian Ocean perspective, Christophe Caume, managing director of Madascarenes, and Cyril Mahafahana of Madagascar Yacht Services, note: “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.”
Participants at the meeting recognised that the superyacht sector represents an opportunity extending beyond luxury tourism. It offers potential for jobs, skills, investment and inclusive growth, aligning with national Blue Economy frameworks. Government representatives present expressed support for policies and infrastructure that will enable this development.
“This initiative reflects a new level of cooperation across borders and sectors,” says Pretorius. “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 draft the African Superyacht Action Agenda, outlining specific steps for infrastructure expansion, policy updates and international promotion. The agenda will be distributed through the Superyacht Cape Town network.
