Cape Town to host inaugural African Boating Conference in October 2025

Superyacht Cape Town, represented by Veda Pretorius, has officially announced the launch of the African Boating Conference, set to take place from 21–22 October 2025 at The Avenue at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the V&A Waterfront Marina – and uniquely overlooking the iconic Two Oceans Aquarium’s 1.7 million litre ocean exhibit – this first-of-its-kind event will convene leading voices from across Africa and the global marine sector. The conference will spotlight the African boating market’s vast potential and explore how stakeholders can collaborate to unlock growth across recreational boating, superyachts, marine tourism, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Supported by prominent industry figures, government bodies and private-sector leaders, the event promises a dynamic and forward-looking agenda – including site visits, panel discussions, and strategic sessions addressing innovation, investment, and regional opportunity. South Africa’s growing status as a distribution and manufacturing hub, with rising export values and a thriving local boatbuilding workforce, places it firmly at the centre of this timely industry dialogue.

Anders Kurtén announced as keynote speaker

The African Boating Conference is proud to welcome Anders Kurtén, Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Yachts, as a featured keynote speaker. With over 25 years of global leadership experience in the marine and luxury sectors, Kurtén brings both gravitas and vision to the programme. At the helm of Fraser Yachts – the world’s longest-established full-service yacht brokerage – Kurtén is driving forward a progressive agenda of sustainable innovation and responsible marine stewardship.

His keynote address, “Steering Toward Sustainability: Leading the African Boating Industry into a Greener Future,” will offer practical strategies for aligning business growth with ecological accountability. Drawing from a career that includes pioneering sustainable technologies at Baltic Yachts and advancing global standards at Fraser, Kurtén’s presentation will underscore why environmental responsibility is no longer optional in marine development – it is essential.

“Anders Kurtén is not just a leading voice in yachting – he’s a visionary for the industry’s future,” commented Maryanne Edwards, Director of Marketing & Development for the African Boating Conference. “His insight into global trends, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with our goal to shape Africa’s blue economy with foresight and integrity.”

Under Kurtén’s leadership, Fraser Yachts has implemented impactful sustainability initiatives, including switching to green energy, offsetting corporate travel, and advocating for energy-efficient solutions among yacht owners. His perspective offers African governments and industry players a compelling blueprint for embedding sustainability into commercial strategy.

Join the conversation

Veda Pretorius extended an open invitation to manufacturers, policymakers, infrastructure developers, and marine service providers: “Africa is rooted in culture and unity in diversity – this conference will be a bold step toward a shared, sustainable future for our industry.”

With influential speakers, collaborative dialogues, and a sharp focus on Africa’s marine growth potential, the African Boating Conference 2025 is set to be a milestone event for the continent’s recreational and superyacht industries.