Call for Applications: OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program Cohort 8 - MSME - MSME Africa

OceanHub Africa has opened applications for Cohort 8 of its Acceleration Program, inviting African startups developing commercially viable solutions that protect the ocean and support the sustainable use of marine resources. The 2027 programme will support up to 10 revenue-generating businesses working in the Blue

The accelerator targets registered African businesses operating in the Blue Economy or related sectors. Applicants should meet these requirements:

• An established product or service: The business must have moved beyond the prototype stage and have evidence of customer use, deployments or commercial contracts.
• Demonstrable revenue: Applicants must show that customers pay for their product or service. Evidence can include invoices, signed contracts, repeat sales or renewals. There is no minimum revenue requirement, and the business does not need to be profitable.
• A committed founding team: OceanHub Africa typically looks for at least two co-founders with complementary skills and relevant sector or market knowledge. Solo founders may apply if they have a strong executive or management team of more than four people.
• A clear ocean-impact case: The startup’s core business must intentionally improve ocean outcomes, with credible evidence or metrics showing its impact.
• Capacity to participate: At least one team member must be available for weekly workshops and coaching, while a founder or executive representative must attend the in-person bootcamp.

OceanHub Africa generally prioritises businesses with paying customers and a clear path to growth. It does not consider pilot projects or letters of intent alone sufficient proof of revenue.

The programme has limited exception places for ventures that are not yet fully commercially validated but demonstrate breakthrough innovation or exceptional ocean impact. These applicants need registered or pending intellectual property and a written plan showing how the business will generate revenue.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply by following these steps:

• Visit the OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program Cohort 8 application page on VC4A.
• Review the eligibility requirements and participation commitments.
• Prepare the company documents, pitch deck, financial records and evidence of commercial traction and ocean impact.
• Complete the online application form and submit it before the deadline.
• Monitor your email for updates if your startup progresses to the next stage.

Application deadline: December 6, 2026.

Application fee: Free. The programme does not take equity, but participants must pay their own travel costs for the in-person bootcamp and showcase.

Apply here: OceanHub Africa Acceleration Program Cohort 8