AkzoNobel, the global paints and coatings company, has announced that they will be the exclusive sponsor of the upcoming African Boating Conference’s Technology Panel in October 2026. The panel will focus on the technologies and innovation needed to build a more competitive and sustainable marine industry in Africa.
Titled “Innovation for Growth: Technologies Driving Africa’s Sustainable Marine Future”, the panel will bring together industry experts to discuss how emerging technologies, sustainable materials and smarter operating practices can address challenges and create new opportunities across Africa’s developing marine sector.
From advanced manufacturing and sustainable materials to digitalisation and smarter marina infrastructure, technology is reshaping the global marine industry. For Africa, there is an opportunity to keep pace with established markets, by finding technologies that support regional priorities and accelerate sustainable and internationally competitive growth.
The panel will explore recent innovations in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing, smarter marina and waterfront development, digital technologies that improve marine operations, and innovations that can reduce environmental impact while improving performance.
AkzoNobel brings extensive international experience in paints and coatings across the marine, protective and yacht sectors, which allows it to bring the latest insight into how technology, performance, asset protection and sustainability connect.
Timothy Vogelaar, Key Account Manager, Yacht at AkzoNobel, said: “Innovation and sustainability are central to how we approach the marine industry. The African Boating Conference is an important platform for bringing together the people and ideas that will shape the future of the continent’s marine industry. We are proud to support the Technology Panel and contribute to conversations around the technologies, sustainable solutions and collaboration that we can support long-term.”
The Technology Panel will form part of the wider African Boating Conference programme, bringing together representatives from the boating, marine manufacturing, marina, tourism, government and investment sectors to examine opportunities and challenges facing the industry across the continent.
The African Boating Conference takes place in Cape Town on 20–21 October 2026, connecting African and international industry leaders to share expertise, build relationships and explore practical opportunities for the sustainable development of Africa’s marine sector.
For more information, visit www.africanboatingconference.com
