Carrying African islands to the world stage: Inside the Ocean Hackathon Finals 2025

The Ocean Hackathon is a fast-paced innovation event where teams come together (usually over 48 hours) to solve real-world ocean challenges using data, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This year, IUCN ESARO participated as a challenge owner, contributing data from the IslandPlas project. 

IslandPlas is a regional initiative working across seven African island states to better understand plastic waste systems; from what types of plastic are being used, to where they leak into the environment, who is affected, and what solutions are already emerging locally. The project generates much-needed evidence to guide policy, innovation, and community-led circular economy solutions. 

Representing IUCN as the Challenge Owner, I had the honour of supporting the Plasticity, the winning team using IUCN IslandPlas data from the Cape Town regional edition, as they presented at the Ocean Hackathon® Global Finals. 

Supported by IUCN teams across Eastern and Southern Africa (ESARO) and West and Central Africa (PACO) together with OceanHub Africa, the innovators refined a digital prototype designed to help island states track, verify, and repurpose PET waste using data, AI, and community engagement tools. 

Walking into the venue alongside nine outstanding teams from around the world, I felt the pride of our islands with me — from Cabo Verde, São Tomé & Príncipe, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Zanzibar. 

A Moment of Pride for all IslandPlas Countries 

Although the Plasticity team did not secure the global ranking, what they accomplished in Brest reached far beyond competition scores. They showcased African creativity, island resilience, and the potential of youth-led circular innovation on an international platform. 

“Standing on that stage, I realised this was bigger than a competition — it was a moment to show that our islands are not only facing the plastic pollution challenge but actively shaping solutions. The commitment, creativity, and courage of this team captured that spirit beautifully.” 

Genovefa Feksi, National Project Officer, IUCN Tanzania (ESARO) 

Our Regional Blue Science and Innovation Manager that greatly supported the team, shared: 

“The Hackathon demonstrated what can happen when local knowledge, innovation, and scientific expertise come together. The Plasticity team showed that island solutions can lead global thinking. Their journey is just beginning.” 

Dr. Imogen Napper, Regional Blue Science & Innovation Manager, IUCN ESARO 

A True ESARO–PACO Collaboration 

One of the strongest aspects of this journey was the collaboration across regions. 

The Plasticity prototype was built using datasets shared from Cabo Verde and São Tomé & Príncipe, where IslandPlas is implemented under IUCN PACO. 

Programme Officer (IUCN PACO) Alima Koïté highlighted this shared success: 

“Seeing Cabo Verde and São Tomé data inform a solution showcased on a global stage is something we are very proud of. It shows the strength of the IslandPlas network and how our regions can learn from and inspire each other.” 

Alima Koïté, Programme Officer, IUCN PACO 

The Hackathon journey brought ESARO and PACO teams together in a unique way — exchanging data, context, expertise, and feedback to strengthen the prototype as it evolved toward the global finals. 

Innovation Beyond a Competition 

While the award may not have come home, the innovation certainly will. 

The Plasticity concept has already sparked interest among partners, including The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF). Ahead of the finals, TCCF’s Manager met the team to explore alignment with regional PET recovery and circular economy efforts. 

The prototype will continue to be refined using insights from: 

• IUCN 

• Hackathon coaches and circular economy specialists 

• Community and sector stakeholders 

The learnings gained in Brest will directly contribute to: 

• IslandPlas Innovation Pathways 

• Community grants and entrepreneurship support 

• Future digital and data-driven solutions under the programme 

Carrying Home More Than a Score 

Leaving Brest, I carried with me: 

• The pride of seeing African islands represented with strength and confidence 

• The inspiration of youth using technology to solve real environmental challenges 

• The unity of IUCN teams working across regions toward a common mission 

• The belief that innovation is becoming a growing pillar of IslandPlas 

And above all, I carried the message that this is not the end — it is the beginning of a stronger innovation pathway within IslandPlas, with young African thinkers at its heart. 

As we move into 2026, we do so with renewed commitment, deeper partnerships, and a clear direction: 

Our islands are innovative. 

Our youth are capable. 

Our data holds power. 

Together, we will continue shaping solutions that carry African islands — and their voices — to the world stage and back home again.