Local Industry Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to African Boating Conference 2026
by African Boating Conference 13 Apr 22:56 PDT
20-21 October 2026
The African Boating Conference (ABC) is proud to announce the early return of three key local sponsors for its 2026 edition: Seascape Marine Services, Ullman Sails, and MDM (Marine Distribution & Manufacturing), the South African distributor for Raymarine.
In a clear vote of confidence, all three companies recommitted to the conference immediately upon being approached—underscoring both the value of the platform and their shared commitment to advancing Africa's marine industry.
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. This strong industry participation highlights the growing importance of ABC as a central meeting point for stakeholders across the marine value chain.
Backing African Manufacturing
Seascape Marine Services, a founding sponsor of the conference, continues to be a cornerstone of the local marine supply chain. As a key supplier to South African boatbuilders—and with longstanding relationships across the sector, including leading catamaran manufacturers—Seascape's continued involvement reflects its deep-rooted investment in the industry's future. As distributors of advanced technologies such as Seakeeper stabilisers, the company plays a vital role in bringing innovation to the African market.
This comment by Jamie de Jong, Director at Seascape Marine Services reinforces his commitment to the African Marine industry.
"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 emphasised 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."
MDM (Marine Distribution & Manufacturing), as the South African distributor for Raymarine, represents the electronics and navigation backbone of the local marine industry. Working closely with boatbuilders, MDM ensures that locally built vessels are equipped with world-class navigation and communication systems—supporting both build quality and global competitiveness. Their continued sponsorship reflects confidence not only in the conference, but in the resilience and future growth of African boatbuilding.
The value of getting in early is already resonating across the industry. As Hylton Morris Managing Director of MDM, so directly puts it:
"The best B2B event in the southern hemisphere. Early adopters reap the benefit when everyone clambers to join."
A Platform That Delivers Value
The immediate recommitment from these three companies reflects the tangible value delivered by ABC—not only in terms of visibility and networking, but in its role as a catalyst for industry alignment and growth.
By bringing together boatbuilders, suppliers, policymakers, and international stakeholders, the conference creates a unified platform to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities across Africa's blue economy.
With strong backing from both returning sponsors and leading manufacturers, the African Boating Conference 2026 is set to build on the momentum of its inaugural edition—further positioning Africa as an emerging force in the global marine industry.
About the African Boating Conference
The African Boating Conference 20/21 October 2026, held annually in Cape Town, brings together global industry leaders, investors, and regional stakeholders to explore opportunities in marina development and the broader blue economy across Africa.
As momentum continues to build, ABC is rapidly establishing itself as a must-attend event for those invested in the future of boating on the continent—creating a platform where meaningful connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and tangible opportunities are unlocked.