Africa Pavilion Rising blue economy drops anchor in Istanbul
For the first time in history, Europort Istanbul 2026 will host an Africa Pavilion, revealing new untapped maritime opportunities. The pavilion will serve as a dedicated platform to showcase Africa’s growing maritime and blue economy sector and to strengthen partnerships between African, Turkish and international stakeholders.
Curated and coordinated by Blue Ocean International (Netherlands), the Africa Pavilion creates a structured gateway for African participation at Europort Istanbul. The initiative builds on the increasing interest of African maritime institutions and companies to connect with global maritime markets and technology partners.
With more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline and strategic maritime corridors linking global trade routes, Africa is emerging as one of the most promising maritime growth regions. Major investments in port expansion, maritime logistics, offshore energy, fisheries and blue economy development are creating new opportunities for international cooperation and investment.
The Africa Pavilion is designed as a Maritime and Blue Economy Marketplace, connecting African maritime authorities, port operators, shipyards, investors and technology providers. The Pavilion will highlight partnership opportunities and investment-ready projects across key sectors including port development, coastal shipping, shipbuilding, offshore services, fisheries, green shipping and port digitalization.
As curator of the Pavilion, Blue Ocean International is working with African ports, maritime administrations and private sector actors to coordinate delegations and ensure a strong and visible African presence at Europort.
According to Joseph Junior Seh, CEO of Blue Ocean International, Europort Istanbul offers a unique strategic opportunity for African maritime stakeholders:
"Türkiye occupies a strategic position between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Participating in Europort Istanbul allows African maritime actors to expand partnerships beyond traditional markets and to engage with new industrial and investment networks.”
Türkiye’s position at the crossroads of major maritime routes makes Europort Istanbul particularly relevant for African delegations seeking to strengthen their international maritime presence and explore new trade and industrial partnerships.
The first Africa Pavilion will be launched at Europort Istanbul 2026 (4-6 November) with participation from selected African coastal countries. The initiative is expected to expand further during Europort 2027 in Rotterdam creating a long-term platform for structured Africa-Europe maritime cooperation.
Expression of Interest - African Pavilion
African ports, maritime institutions, companies and government agencies interested in participating in the Africa Pavilion at Europort Istanbul 2026 are invited to register their interest via the link below:
Expression of Interest Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhF2BxX5J8urfSEpkL5-6YtKKu56ix_dB5YFWBNAQue8RwqA/viewform?usp=publish-editor
For further information:
Joseph Junior She
CEO - Blue Ocean International
Curator, Africa Pavilion - Europort
Email: [email protected]
T. +31 6 28686492