© Hatch Blue
Women in Ocean Food Africa (WIOF), organised by Hatch Blue in partnership with Conservation International Ventures, launched its studio in Tanzania, marking the first WIOF program expansion into Africa. Running from 7 to 17 April, the equity-free programme sponsored by DOEN Foundation, Mustardseed Trust and Anchor Foundation, brings together 11 women-led start-ups from across the region.
Anchor Foundation joins the program as a key partner supporting women’s empowerment across Sub-Saharan Africa. With a long-standing commitment to advancing education, healthcare and economic independence for women, the Foundation’s mission closely aligns with WIOF’s goal of fostering inclusive growth in the blue economy. Their support helps ensure African women founders and community leaders aquaculture and ocean food systems have the resources and networks needed to grow their ventures,creating lasting impact.
“I strongly believe that empowering women through financial independence is essential,” said Aino Olaisen, founder and chair of Anchor Foundation. “The Women in Ocean Food programme supports this important goal, and we are proud to back the work it is doing.”
Maaike Broekhuis, programme manager at DOEN Foundation added: "WIOF helps develop the nascent blue economy sector in Africa in a way that does justice to the important role of women in the coastal communities and with regenerative enterprises that restore marine ecosystems."
About the program
For 12 months, WIOF provides hands-on business support, curated investor introductions and post-programme follow-on support to help ventures scale both commercial growth and measurable ocean impact. The programme began in December 2025 with a series of virtual sessions focused on pitching, leadership, and storytelling.
This 10-day, in-person innovation studio marks the first time participating teams will meet face to face. The programme includes aquaculture site visits, investor roundtables, tailored mentoring sessions and a Demo Day on 17 April. During the studio, WIOF will also host a pitch showcase for regional stakeholders, partners and investors, where each team will present its solution and outline its funding needs. Those interested in attending the showcase can register here.
Meet the WIOF Africa cohort
- Ufarmy Ecobioponics3D (Nigeria) - A tech-driven aquaculture enterprise using smart solutions to improve fish farming productivity, traceability, and market access for small-scale farmers.
- Agro Fish Farm (Sierra Leone) - A catfish and tilapia farming venture empowering women and youth through aquaculture training, food production, and local market systems.
- SEABLUE INNOVATION CO.Ltd (Tanzania) - Utilises a low-cost, scalable processing technology to transform raw seaweed into value-added food products and biodegradable materials.
- Nebedaí (The Gambia) - An oyster farming and mangrove restoration enterprise led by coastal women, combining aquaculture, climate adaptation, and ecosystem health.
- Sulha Afrika (Kenya) - A community venture promoting mangrove conservation, blue tourism, and women-led climate resilience models in coastal Kenya.
- OceansMall Company Limited (Ghana) - Focused on fisheries value chains and processing, OceansMall supports women seafood traders while improving quality, sustainability, and access to regional markets.
- Yarsi Aquacycle (Kenya) - Working on fisheries systems through training, processing, and inclusive distribution models to empower coastal fishing families.
- WAVU (Kenya) - A tilapia aquaculture company building regenerative farming models and youth engagement in sustainable protein supply.
- Care Cove Company Ltd (Tanzania) - A seaweed-focused enterprise supporting coastal women with seaweed farming, processing, and value-added ocean products.
- Yireo (Comoros) - A fisheries enterprise strengthening traditional fishing communities through processing, logistics, and local supply system improvements.
- NovFeed (Tanzania) - A biotechnology company developing alternative protein fish feed using microbes, offering sustainable solutions.
