The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) is set to play a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s blue economy by partnering with Africa Coastal Marine Maritime Tourism for an upcoming industry event on April 15-16. The event, taking place at the Feather Market Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay, aims to highlight the vast potential of the maritime sector and drive economic growth through sustainable tourism and innovation.
Strengthening Maritime Education and Collaboration
There is a clear need to bolster marine and maritime education in South Africa to unlock the full potential of the oceans economy. While several post-school institutions offer maritime-related programs, increased collaboration among key industry players is essential to enhance training, research, and sector-wide cooperation.
SAIMI, established in 2014 through a partnership led by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU), serves as the country’s apex maritime institute. The institute collaborates with universities, training authorities, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to drive education, training, and research in the maritime sector. Its overarching goal is to strengthen South Africa’s maritime economy by aligning education and industry needs.
Unlocking the Potential of the Oceans Economy
South Africa’s maritime territory is a vast and largely untapped resource. Some key statistics highlight the enormous potential for economic growth and job creation:
- South Africa boasts a 3,900 km coastline, with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 1.5 million km²—larger than the country’s landmass.
- More than 30,000 vessels pass along South Africa’s coast annually, with 13,000 docking in local ports.
- The country transports 300 million tons of cargo and 1.2 million tons of liquid fuel along its coastline each year.
- South Africa holds an estimated 9 billion barrels of offshore oil and 60 trillion cubic feet of gas, offering significant energy opportunities.
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) increased from 0.4% to 5% of ocean territory in 2018, supporting biodiversity conservation and marine tourism.
- The oceans economy could contribute up to R177 billion to GDP and create 1 million jobs by 2033, compared to R54 billion and 316,000 jobs in 2010.
Operation Phakisa: A Catalyst for Maritime Growth
Launched in 2014, Operation Phakisa is a government-driven initiative designed to fast-track economic development in key sectors, including the oceans economy. The strategy brings together industry leaders, government agencies, academia, and civil society to maximize maritime sector growth and job creation.
Six key areas have been identified for strategic development:
- Marine Transport and Manufacturing – Led by the Department of Transport (DoT)
- Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration – Led by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR)
- Aquaculture – Led by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF)
- Marine Protection Services and Ocean Governance – Led by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)
- Small Harbours Development – Led by the Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Coastal and Marine Tourism – Led by the Department of Tourism
Cross-cutting strategies include:
- Skills Development and Capacity Building – Led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Research, Technology, and Innovation – Led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Discover Africa’s Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2025
The upcoming Africa Coastal Marine Maritime Tourism event will serve as a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities in maritime tourism and trade. This event will focus on sustainable development, investment prospects, and innovation in the sector, aligning with SAIMI’s long-term strategy of driving economic transformation through maritime excellence.
By fostering partnerships and aligning efforts across academia, government, and industry, SAIMI is positioning South Africa as a leader in maritime education, research, and sustainable development. The event in Nelson Mandela Bay will be a crucial step toward realizing the potential of South Africa’s maritime sector and ensuring its continued growth and global competitiveness. For more information go to https://marinetourism.co.za and to get the event ticket(s) go to ConfSpot at https://confspot.myvirgo.co.za/list/africa-coastal-marine-tourism
