The Eastern Cape successfully hosted the Oceans Economy Symposium in East London on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, highlighting the province's vast potential to drive South Africa's blue economy growth.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, business, and civil society to explore innovative pathways for sustainable development and economic diversification within the marine and coastal sectors.
Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane emphasised the ocean’s role as a "powerful economic engine" capable of transforming the Eastern Cape's development landscape.
With its 800 km coastline, strategic ports, and world-class maritime infrastructure, the province is well positioned to leverage the ocean's resources for inclusive and sustainable growth.
"The ocean is not just a natural resource; it is a catalyst for economic transformation and job creation. Our challenge is to ensure this growth remains sustainable and benefits all communities," said Premier Mabuyane.
Participants engaged in robust discussions on emerging opportunities within the ocean economy, including:
- Green Hydrogen as a transformative energy source
- Maritime industrialisation and port-linked economic activities
- Marine conservation and sustainable resource management
- The Eastern Cape’s strategic location between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans
- Leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for industrial growth
A landmark study unveiled during the symposium revealed that the Oceans Economy contributed R27.9 billion (5.2%) to the Eastern Cape's GDP in 2023, generating R54 billion in output and supporting over 43,000 jobs across the province.
Access the full study here
The symposium focused on unlocking the full potential of the oceans economy while ensuring ecological balance and long-term sustainability.
Key themes included:
- Balancing economic growth with marine conservation
- Assessing the impact of Operation Phakisa in accelerating ocean economy initiatives
- Exploring opportunities in aquaculture, fisheries, and offshore renewable energy (including wind power)
The symposium featured insights from leading experts and industry practitioners, including:
- Marcia Korsten, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who gave a PowerPoint presentation on: Catalysing the Ocean Economy
- Tantaswa Cici, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA): Unlocking Untapped Opportunities in the Ocean Economy
- Prof Hinaunye Eita, University of Johannesburg: Overview of the Eastern Cape Ocean Economy
View the presentations here
The Eastern Cape’s strategic position, advanced port facilities, and growing innovation ecosystem make it a key maritime hub for South Africa, the symposium concluded.
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