Host: Nansen-Tutu Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Venue: University of Cape Town, South Africa
Dates: 23–25 November 2026 (main conference)
26 November (ECOPS & Nansen-Tutu Students Day)
Background and Rationale
Africa’s coastal economies are vital engines of trade, food security, and livelihoods, yet they face mounting pressures from climate change, resource depletion, and infrastructure gaps. Unlocking their potential requires both innovative research and sustainable financing. Financial institutions hold the keys to mobilizing capital, de-risking investments, and scaling solutions, while researchers provide the evidence base and innovations needed to guide impactful decisions. However, the disconnect between research outputs and financial flows remains a critical barrier. This conference seeks to bridge that divide by convening funders and researchers to co-create strategies for resilient coastal economies. By aligning financial instruments with research imperatives, stakeholders can accelerate sustainable growth, strengthen regional collaboration, and ensure Africa’s coastal futures are both prosperous and climate-resilient.
The specific goals of the conference are to:
- Strengthen collaboration between financial institutions and research communities to bridge the gap between funding flows and innovative coastal research in Africa.
- Identify and address challenges limiting investment in Africa’s coastal economies, including risk perceptions, governance bottlenecks, and access to credit.
- Highlight opportunities for leveraging innovative financing mechanisms—such as green bonds, blended finance, and climate funds—to support sustainable coastal development.
- Promote evidence-based decision-making by showcasing research that informs financial strategies, policy frameworks, and resilience planning for coastal economies.
- Establish actionable imperatives for policy, practice, and regional cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability, visibility, and impact of Africa’s coastal research initiatives.
Call for Abstracts
Researchers are invited to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations across a range of interdisciplinary themes:
Strategic Roles of Financial Institutions
Financial institutions are pivotal in shaping Africa’s coastal economies by mobilizing capital, de‑risking investments, and aligning financial flows with sustainability goals. This sub‑theme explicitly invites abstracts that examine how banks, development finance institutions, and impact investors support coastal innovation while advancing transparency frameworks and impact reporting. Contributions may explore regulatory environments, governance maturity as a driver of investor confidence, public–private partnerships, or trust‑building between funders and researchers. Case studies of successful interventions in fisheries, aquaculture, ports, or renewable energy are welcome. Submissions should highlight how finance can catalyze research‑driven transformation, ensuring Africa’s coastal regions achieve resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
Innovative Research Frontiers
Africa’s coastal economies demand innovative research to address climate variability and change, ecosystem degradation, socio‑economic vulnerability, and climate intervention. This sub‑theme calls for abstracts showcasing advances in climate science, marine science, aquaculture, coastal infrastructure, ecosystem services, and climate geoengineering. We welcome contributions integrating climate observation and modeling with socio‑economic analysis, digital innovations such as fintech and AI, or interdisciplinary approaches linking science, economics, and governance. In addition, submissions that explore the digitalization of the research and project pipeline—highlighting how digital platforms can scale research, accelerate collaboration, and enhance impact—are strongly encouraged. Submissions should demonstrate how research provides actionable insights for funders and policymakers. The goal is to highlight research that guides evidence‑based investments, strengthens resilience, and unlocks the potential of Africa’s coastal economy.
Challenges in Financing Coastal Research
Financing coastal research in Africa faces persistent challenges, including risk perceptions, underinvestment, limited credit access, and governance bottlenecks. This sub‑theme invites abstracts that critically examine these barriers and propose solutions. Contributions may explore institutional capacity gaps, regulatory hurdles, or the disconnect between research outputs and financial flows. Case studies of stalled or underfunded projects are welcome, as they provide lessons for future interventions. Submissions should highlight structural issues hindering investment and suggest pathways to build stronger, more resilient financial ecosystems that support Africa’s coastal research agenda.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Collaboration is essential to unlock Africa’s coastal potential. This sub‑theme calls for abstracts highlighting opportunities for partnerships among funders, researchers, governments,NGOs, CBOs and communities. Topics may include public–private partnerships, regional cooperation, and innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds, blended finance, and climate funds. We welcome case studies of successful collaborations, pilot projects, or cross‑border initiatives advancing coastal research and development. Submissions should demonstrate replicable models of cooperation that reduce risks, enhance impact, and expand access to capital, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa’s coastal economy.
Imperatives for Policy and Practice
Sustainable coastal economies require clear policy imperatives and practical strategies. This sub‑theme invites abstracts that articulate actionable recommendations for enabling environments where finance and research converge. Contributions may address accountability in funded projects, policy frameworks that incentivize innovation, or strategies for resilient financial ecosystems. Case studies of governance reforms, monitoring tools, or institutional innovations are welcome. Submissions should define imperatives that guide funders and researchers toward measurable outcomes, ensuring investments deliver long‑term sustainability, inclusivity, and impact across Africa’s coastal regions.
Abstract Submission
The call for abstract submissions is now open. Please click here to submit your abstract.
The submission deadline is 01 September 2026.
Authors of selected abstracts will be notified on 1 October 2026.
Registration details
Early registration fees (deadline: 25 October 2026)
- International Scholars: $350
- International Early Career Researchers or Students $200
- African Scholars: $100 (or R1,600)
- African Early Career Researchers or Students $50 (or R800)
Regular registration fees
- International Scholars: $400
- International Early Career Researchers or Students $250
- African Scholars: $120 (or R 2,000)
- African Early Career Researchers or Students $75 (or R1,300)
Accommodation
There are several options for accommodation available for conference participants. Most of these options are within walking distance to the conference venue.
This accommodation option is located on UCT’s Middle Campus, just a 12‑minute walk from the conference venue. All Africa House is affiliated with the University of Cape Town, making participants eligible for special rates (listed below). The accommodation provides uncapped Wi‑Fi, parking, a laundry room, and breakfast. Several room options are available:
- Standard Room – R1,050.00 per night (≈ $63) – Double bed, shared bathroom (same gender), and access to a communal kitchen.
- Studio – R1,425.00 per night (≈ $86) – Double or twin single beds, en‑suite bathroom, and access to a communal kitchen.
- Executive Apartment – R1,930.00 per night (≈ $116) – King‑sized bed, en‑suite bathroom, and kitchenette.
- One‑Bedroom Apartment – R2,215.00 per night (≈ $133) – Double bed, living room, en‑suite bathroom, and fully equipped kitchen.
There are a limited number of rooms available: 20 Standard Rooms, 20 Studios, 5 Executive Apartments, and 2 One‑Bedroom Apartments. Please arrange accommodation as early as possible to ensure availability.
Little Scotia Guest Accomodation
This accommodation is located in Rondebosch, close to the main road, and is a 24 minute walk to the conference venue. Complimentary wifi and breakfast is provided by this accommodation.
- Twin (R1900,00 per night per room) – Double bed and a maximum occupancy of 2 people.
- Single (R1550,00 per night per room) – Queen bed with a maximum occupancy of 1 person
Carmichael house boutique hotel
Approximately 20 minute walk to the conference venue.
Approximately 10 minute drive to the conference venue.
Approximately 10 minute drive to the conference venue.
Travel guidance
The conference will take place in the RW James Building on upper Campus at University of Cape Town, Rondebosch. The University of Cape Town is approximately 20 minutes drive from Cape Town International airport. There is parking available at the University of Cape Town.
Directions from Cape Town International Airport to the University of Cape Town, upper campus:
- Follow Ring Rd and Airport Approach Rd to Settlers Way/N2 in Kanana (4.0 km)
- Follow Settlers Way/N2 to Woolsack Dr/M89 in Rosebank. Take exit 7 from Rhodes Dr/M3 (11.2 km)
- Follow N Entrance Rd and Madiba Cir E to Residence Rd in Rondebosch (1.7 km)
Any queries can be directed to Ashleigh Ho (hxxash001@myuct.ac.za)
