Ocean Innovation Africa Summit 2026

David Brand is a Consultant with the Lab of Tomorrow at GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), where he supports the design and development of innovative, human-centred solutions to complex development challenges. His work focuses on applying co-creation methodologies to bring together businesses, public sector actors, and local stakeholders to develop sustainable, market-driven solutions. With experience in innovation facilitation, project design, and stakeholder engagement, David contributes to Lab of Tomorrow processes that address critical issues across sectors such as climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. He works closely with partners to translate insights into practical interventions that are both scalable and impactful.

Dr Obakeng Molelu is the Science-to-Policy Programme Manager in the SCALABLE Programme at the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). Her work focuses on bridging science, policy, and business to advance sustainable ocean governance and innovation in the Western Indian Ocean. She has extensive experience designing regional capacity-building initiatives that strengthen science communication and policy engagement. Dr Molelu is also an experienced researcher with a strong background in socio-economic development, port-city dynamics, and urban sustainability. Her work explores the evolving harbour–city relationship shaped by political economy, technological change, environmental regulation, climate pressures, and social impacts, with a focus on translating knowledge into practical solutions for the blue economy.

Cllr Thembo Ntuli serves as the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, a role he assumed in January 2023. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the effective functioning of the committee and ensuring it delivers on its mandate to promote inclusive economic development, drive job creation, and advance the radical economic transformation agenda in alignment with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Cllr Ntuli is particularly passionate about rural and township development. He is committed to reducing bureaucratic barriers to unlock major development opportunities across eThekwini, to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable employment. In addition to his committee leadership role, he serves as the Ward 1 Councillor, where he is responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential services to the communities of KwaXimba and surrounding areas.

Ms Charlina Vitcheva was appointed Director General of DG MARE, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in June 2020. Before this, she was Deputy Director General of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in September 2016. She was acting DG for the JRC from the 1st November 2019 to the 30th April 2020. Previously, Ms Vitcheva was Director of Smart & Sustainable Growth in Southern Europe at DG Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and also held a Director’s position on Inclusive Growth, Territorial and Urban Development and Northern Europe. Before joining the European Commission, Ms Vitcheva has been active in the Bulgarian public administration for 15 years, including at the Permanent Representation in Brussels, being actively involved in the negotiations of Bulgaria accession to the European Union, notably in charge of agricultural and fisheries dossiers and heading the negotiations, from 2000 to 2004, in the area of agriculture and rural development, food safety and fisheries.

Patrik Huber is an entrepreneur and ocean-impact leader focused on advancing sustainable solutions within Africa’s blue economy. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mawimbi Ocean Innovations, a venture dedicated to regenerating ocean ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through innovative seaweed farming solutions. With a background spanning renewable energy, environmental innovation, and impact-driven business, Huber has co-founded and supported ventures that address critical challenges such as climate change, energy access, and ocean sustainability. He was also a co-founder of Solarise Africa, a company providing energy-as-a-service solutions across the continent. His work is rooted in building inclusive, scalable models that combine environmental restoration with economic opportunity. Huber is actively engaged in advancing climate finance and sustainable ocean value chains, including initiatives focused on seaweed as a catalyst for both ecological and socio-economic impact in coastal regions.