The highly anticipated BlueInvest Africa 2025 is officially accepting applications for pitchers! Set to take place in Lomé, Togo, this transformative event is calling on startups and small businesses across Africa to step into the spotlight and pitch their blue economy innovations.
By doing so, participants can not only gain unprecedented visibility but also directly connect with investors, financial institutions, and international partners. Consequently, this represents a rare and impactful opportunity for African innovators to scale their ideas and attract strategic partnerships.
Why BlueInvest Africa 2025 Matters
Undeniably, Africa is brimming with untapped marine and inland water resources. However, these opportunities often remain under-leveraged due to limited access to funding and global networks.
BlueInvest Africa serves as a unique platform bridging that gap. It brings together:
- Forward-thinking startups and SMMEs working in blue economy sectors
- Influential investors and financial institutions
- Renowned research organizations and innovators
- Sustainable project developers and ocean-focused entrepreneurs
Through this synergy, the event aims to cultivate meaningful connections, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and highlight Africa’s immense potential in the blue economy space.
Who Can Apply? Target Audience and Eligibility Criteria
In essence, BlueInvest Africa 2025 is tailored for African-registered Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) that meet the following criteria:
- Officially registered in an African Union member country
- Operate primarily within the continent
- Possess intellectual property rights over their product or service
- Exhibit commitment to innovation, sustainability, and impact
Additionally, entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities—such as women, youth, and vulnerable groups—are strongly encouraged to apply. This focus ensures the event promotes inclusive growth and equitable representation.
Pitch Presentation Requirements
Once selected, pitchers must:
- Be physically present in Lomé during the event
- Represent their organization on stage (CEO, director, founder, or key team member)
- Provide a backup presenter proficient in French or English
- Be prepared to share and showcase their innovations to a live and virtual audience
Moreover, pitchers are expected to engage confidently with potential investors and respond to questions during networking sessions.
Key Benefits for Selected Pitchers
Participation in BlueInvest Africa 2025 offers more than just stage time. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Live pitch sessions in front of global investors
- One-on-one mentorship and pitch coaching
- Exclusive access to development banks and financial institutions
- Opportunities to form strategic partnerships
- Media promotion of their projects across platforms
- Insights from side events covering financing trends, sustainability, and innovation
Without a doubt, this exposure can be the springboard for long-term success and investment for budding businesses in the blue space.
Sectors Eligible for the Call
Your project must be aligned with the blue economy and reflect sustainability. Eligible sectors include but are not limited to:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Renewable marine energy
- Marine litter reduction
- Bio-marine technologies
- Shipbuilding and operations
- Blue tourism ventures
- Coastal climate solutions
- Carbon sequestration projects
- Marine services (insurance, surveying, etc.)
In short, whether your innovation tackles pollution, boosts marine biodiversity, or enhances community livelihoods, it might be the perfect fit.
SDG Alignment: A Non-Negotiable Criterion
To strengthen impact, each project must align with one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Examples of ideal alignments include:
- Zero Hunger
- Clean and Affordable Energy
- Life Below Water
- Responsible Consumption
- Climate Action
This focus ensures that BlueInvest Africa contributes directly to long-term planetary and people-focused goals.
Who Should Not Apply?
Despite the inclusive approach, certain types of projects are not eligible. These include:
- Activities that harm marine or coastal ecosystems
- Initiatives endangering indigenous communities
- Projects tied to criminal or unethical practices
- Ventures related to military or defense operations
Such exclusions are necessary to maintain the integrity and purpose of the event.
Application Timeline and Selection Process
- Deadline: April 30, 2025 (midnight CET)
- Eligibility Checks: May 1, 2025 onward
- Evaluation: By a commission of international experts
Each application will be reviewed transparently, based on:
- Technological and social innovation
- Business feasibility and scalability
- Team capability and diversity
- Compliance with BlueInvest guidelines
Only 30 pitchers will be selected—so early, thoughtful applications are strongly advised.
MSME Definition for Eligibility
To qualify as an MSME, your business must meet these thresholds:
| Company Size | Staff Count | Turnover | CAGR |
| Medium | <250 | ≤ €15M | ≤ 5% |
| Small | <50 | ≤ €2M | ≥ 10% |
| Micro | <10 | ≤ €0.5M | ≥ 25% |
These criteria ensure applicants are truly at an emerging stage yet ready to grow.
What Makes BlueInvest Africa Different?
Unlike traditional investor forums, BlueInvest Africa is intentionally Pan-African, solution-oriented, and inclusive. Here’s why it stands out:
- Hosted on African soil, prioritizing local ownership
- Backed by EU institutions and sustainability experts
- Designed to foster impact-first investments
- Promotes real-time learning and network-based growth
With approximately 250 in-person participants and many more joining virtually, this event will be a hub of innovation, dialogue, and deal-making.
How to Apply
To throw your hat in the ring, ensure you:
- Download and review the Call for Applications Guidelines
- Prepare a comprehensive pitch and supporting documents
- Submit your application before the April 30 deadline
Conclusion
BlueInvest Africa 2025 isn’t just a pitch stage—it’s a springboard for Africa’s most visionary blue economy innovators. From funding connections to international exposure, this is your chance to make waves in sustainability, innovation, and economic transformation.
Don’t miss out. Your idea could be exactly what the blue economy needs.
