West Africa is expected to join global efforts towards ocean conservation at the leading water sports trade fair, BOOT Düsseldorf 2025.
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The Trade fair, which would be held from January 18 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany, is set to host more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries would feature cutting-edge innovations with a strong emphasis on marine sustainability, engaging experiences, and networking opportunities across its nine themed areas, namely, sailing, motorboats, super yachts, superboats, diving, surf sports, travelling, paddling and engines, equipment & accessories.

A major highlight of BOOT Düsseldorf 2025 is the prestigious Ocean Tribute Award, an initiative in collaboration with the Prince Albert II Foundation and the German Ocean Foundation. With a prize of €20,000, the award recognises trailblasing projects in marine conservation.

In 2024, West Africa took the global stage as ECOP Africa, a Ghanaian NGO, emerged as a winner of the award. Recognised for its innovative approach to nature-based carbon removal, ecosystem rehabilitation, and sustainable aquaculture, ECOP Africa’s work has significantly impacted ocean health, tackled illegal fishing, and integrated indigenous knowledge into climate action.

Ghana Coordinator, ECOP, Mr. Peter Busumprah, said that the award represents the power of collaboration, a shared commitment to sustainable oceans and a recognition that meaningful work aimed at societal impact can gain international attention.

He stated that for ECOP Africa, this award is a major milestone, validating our innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. The seed funding enabled impactful projects, including the Ghana Ocean Climate Innovations Hub, which now collaborates on fisheries initiatives across Africa with participants from Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon and more.

“ECOP Africa thrives on teamwork, diversity, and grassroots engagement to drive marine conservation. Platforms like BOOT Düsseldorf play a crucial role in connecting innovators with donors and fostering partnerships that advance global and African marine initiatives,” Busumprah added.
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West African Representative, Messe Düsseldorf, (organisers of BOOT), Itua Akhigbe, said that as the foremost trade fair for water sports and marine technologies, BOOT Düsseldorf offers West African stakeholders opportunities to spotlight their innovations and build strategic partnerships.

Its nine themed areas cater to diverse industry players and enthusiasts.

According to him, the 2025 edition would feature; 17 halls filled with the latest marine technologies and trends, engaging programmes, including interviews, workshops, live demonstrations of new water sports trends and technologies and the Ocean Tribute Award 2025, with finalists unveiled on January 20, 2025, showcasing the next wave of impactful marine conservation initiatives.
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