Ocean-Impact tech for adaptation & inclusivity in African coastal communities

Written by Alexis Grosskopf, CEO of OceanHub Africa

The immense potential of Africa’s ocean resources is clear, offering opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced food security. However, to fully harness this potential, a paradigm shift in the development and financing of ocean-focused solutions is essential. While high-tech solutions often capture headlines, there is a critical need for low-tech, scalable solutions that can be adopted by coastal communities to foster sustainable development and inclusivity.

OceanHub Africa (OHA) bolsters tech venture building within the ocean domain, showcasing the profound impact of low-tech solutions in coastal communities. These solutions are not only scalable but also empower local entrepreneurs to replicate successful models, fostering a bottom-up approach to economic development whilst promoting environmental and social impacts.

Kuza Freezer provides innovative and low-cost solar-powered freezers to small-scale businesses in the fish value and supply chains, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing daily income sustainably. Image: Kuza Freezer’s Facebook

Kuza Freezer in one example, of low-cost technology supported by OceanHub Africa making major impacts in the lives of coastal communities in Kenya. Dennis Onkangi, CEO of Kuza Freezer explains, “Coastal fishing communities continue to struggle with insufficient refrigeration infrastructure, high energy expenses, and restricted access to advanced preservation technologies”. To address this issue, Kuza Freezer created ‘ColdBox’, a mobile solar powered freezer that allow fishers to keep their catch cold, bridging the crucial gap in the cold-chain between fishers and buyers. This gives the fishers access to better markets and a better price.

Meanwhile, another project once supported by OHA, the Abalobi app, is transforming the way in which small-scale fishers in South Africa operate. Abalobi provides a single platform for fishers and buyers including log-books and weather forecasts, catch monitoring and an online marketplace. It ensures seafood traceability and helps create fair and transparent value chains for small-scale fishers.

These simple yet incredibly effective innovations epitomize low-tech solutions with the power to create scalable change in local fishing communities throughout Africa.

Demo of Abalobi’s app. Image: Abalobi’s

However, investment in community-led enterprise in Africa is fragmented, underserved, informal, and has limited financial resources. The most significant barrier to the development, adoption and scaling of these blue tech solutions is the lack of access to loans and business support. Traditional funding mechanisms often overlook the needs of small-scale ventures and community-led enterprises as these are perceived as risky and unprofitable. This is where Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) play a crucial role. DFIs can provide the necessary funding and support to bridge the gap, enabling the proliferation of low-tech solutions that are vital for sustainable development in coastal areas.

We have found a collaborative approach is essential to overcome the obstacles that go along with investment in community-led enterprise. OceanHub Africa works with DFIs, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector to create a supportive ecosystem.

By working together, we aim to create a nurturing environment that helps develop and scale low-tech solutions. These partnerships are crucial in ensuring that even the most vulnerable sectors can participate in and benefit from the sustainable blue economy.

Alongside OHA, there are several blue venture building programmes, currently being piloted to advance tech solutions in the ocean space. This includes the Blue Venture Builder Program in partnership with sustainable aquaculture investors Hatch Blue and funded by GIZ Make IT in Africa along with the Africa Blue Wave venture building program with the support of partners such as BFA Global funded by FSDA and IUCN.

We also team up with other tech and start-up partners such as innovation labatory 3D Experience Lab and green-app developers, Mindus, to accelerate ideas and create an ecosystem of blue entrepreneurship.

A women's coastal community group in Ulezi Kazi in Tanzania supported by OceanHub Africa. Image: Noor Jehan Docrat

Together, we're diving into coastal communities, listening to their stories, and crafting solutions tailored to their needs.

Through these collaborative efforts, resilient coastal communities are being built—communities capable of adapting to climate change and other environmental challenges. By integrating community-led data and technology, local stakeholders are empowered to take ownership of their resources. This leads to more sustainable and inclusive development outcomes, fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance among the people who live and work in these coastal regions.

In Africa's coastal communities and beyond, there's a pressing need for simple, effective solutions in the blue economy. OceanHub Africa is committed to advancing these solutions through strategic partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of Africa’s ocean resources and create a thriving, sustainable blue economy that benefits all.

Visit Ocean Africa’s website for more information: OceanHub Africa.