BlueInvest Africa invites applications from registered African businesses actively involved in various sectors of the blue economy, including innovative start-ups.
This opportunity aims to engage Small, Micro, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) officially established in an African country, providing a platform for them to present their groundbreaking ideas that hold potential for commercial growth within the African market.
The upcoming event is expected to host approximately 250 on-site attendees, alongside remote participants from Africa and Europe, including both investors and entrepreneurs.
Core Objectives of BlueInvest Africa:
- To foster valuable business connections and create opportunities for networking with potential partners.
- To showcase tangible business projects and facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas.
- To illuminate the vast, untapped potential in Africa, promoting entrepreneurial initiatives and encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors in the expanding blue economy.
Call for Participation:
Up to 30 pitchers will be chosen to present their ventures during this monumental event.
Target Audience:
The event will cater to:
- African start-ups engaged in the blue economy, including small-scale businesses.
- Financial institutions and private investors at international, regional, and national levels.
- Organizations such as private business platforms across various countries.
- Research institutions, incubators, and innovators focused solely on private sector initiatives.
Benefits for Selected Pitchers:
- An opportunity to present their projects, business ideas, products, or services on stage in Lomé, Togo.
- Direct engagement opportunities with public and private investors aimed at securing deals and financial support.
- Access to coaching and mentoring sessions to bolster their pitch.
- A chance to connect with fellow African project holders committed to blue initiatives.
- Participation in side events focused on financing opportunities.
- Direct access to development banks and financial institutions.
- Promotion of their stories through various media and social media channels before and during the event.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 (midnight CET).
- Event Dates: October 15 – October 17, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
The pitching company must be legally registered and operating in an African Union member country. A balanced representation from diverse regions of Africa is encouraged.
Applications from women, individuals in need, and young entrepreneurs are highly encouraged to foster inclusivity.
The company’s head office must be in an African country, with the primary business activities conducted locally.
Intellectual property ownership of the proposed project is required, with a self-certification confirming such required upon application acceptance.
Presentation Requirements:
Selected pitchers must be physically present in Lomé during the event. The designated pitcher should be a founding member, director, CEO, or an involved staff member of the company, and a backup person must be appointed in case of emergencies.
Proficiency in either French or English is essential for the backup.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Status:
The applicant must classify as a Micro, Small, or Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) as defined by the EU Recommendation 2003/361.
Detailed criteria concerning staff headcount and financial metrics will determine MSME qualification.
Blue Economy Focus:
Projects must center around the blue economy, encompassing maritime activities as well as sectors associated with inland waters. Eligible sectors include but are not limited to:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Bio-marine technology
- Renewable energy solutions
- Marine services
- Coastal protection initiatives
Assessment of Applications:
Applications will be evaluated on several criteria including compliance with guidelines, demonstrated capabilities, technological innovation, business model viability, social innovation, and team effectiveness.
For a detailed understanding of the Call for Applications, interested parties are urged to download, read, and comprehend the guidelines prior to application.
Join BlueInvest Africa 2025 in showcasing Africa’s untapped potential. Apply now to be a part of this transformative journey in Lomé, Togo!
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