OUR ORGANISATION
ABALOBI is a hybrid social enterprise. ABALOBI ICT4FISHERIES is a registered public non-profit and public benefit organisation incorporating ABALOBI LABS.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to develop thriving, equitable, resilient and sustainable small-scale fishing communities globally, through inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and a knowledge-based approach to fisheries rebuilding underpinned by community-led data and Technology For Good.
OUR TEAM
We are a diverse team of scientists, small-scale fishers, fisheries experts, community engagement practitioners, developers, environmental anthropologists, seafood transformation experts, food systems advisors and social change innovators. Meet our team.
OUR SERVICES
Our modular tech ecosystem is available for international configuration and customisation. This offering is underpinned by a Community-Supported Fishery Model, a triple-bottom line Community-level Fisheries Improvement Programme and Impact Measurement and Management.
DATA STANDARDS
Our data elements and database structures follow the GDST1, GSSI and other ISO standards.
OUR REACH
We are a South African-based organisation with international reach. We partner with like-minded organisations across the globe to develop solutions in various small-scale fisheries contexts.Key partners include: ThisFish, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO), Future Of Fish , Pesca Sustenavel, Seychelles Hook & Line Fishers Organisation, Ocean Outcomes, WWF, Conservation International, World Conservation Society, Ebiil Society, Blue Ventures, Community Catch, Ocean Hub Africa, Our Blue Future, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, SSF Hub, BFA Global (Catalyst Fund and Teca)
TECH ECOSYSTEM: eCDT, FINTECH + ED-TECH
Our suite of fisher-driven technologies relate to data collection and application, seafood traceability, fully documented fisheries, fair and transparent supply chains, skills development, community cohesion and entrepreneurship. We believe these elements are critical precursors to longer-term fisheries improvement actions and a transition to triple bottom line sustainability.
PLATFORMS + PROGRAMMES

 FISHER 
E-logbook, weather forecasts, document repository, link to AIS/VMS tracking – explore features

 MONITOR 
Community-based catch monitoring, real-time data reporting – explore features

 E-LEARNING 
Coach-based curriculum, e-courses, interactive chat bot – explore features

 COLD CHAIN 
Modular, stepping stone, decentralised infrastructure for fishers + intermediaries

 MARKETPLACE 
1st mile traceability, digital market, financial services – explore features

 FISH WITH A STORY 
Community-Supported Fishery brand + programme

 POST HARVEST 
Community-based post-harvest + product development at ABALOBI Hubs

 PARTNER SUPPORT 
Scoping + market development, impact measurement, training, data analysis
COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED FISHERY MODEL
Through our technology, we enable small-scale fishing communities to activate Community-Supported Fisheries that promote fair market access, transparent supply chains and broader food security. In South Africa, this is incubated under the Fish With A Story brand.
BOARD MEMBERS
Mr Johan Bosini (Chair)Sustainability & Entrepreneurial DevelopmentProf. Kevern CochraneGlobal Fisheries Policy Expert
Mr Alexander Lanz (Observer)Funder RepresentativeMr Abongile Ngqongwa (Co-founder)Fisheries Management AdvisorDr Yemi OloruntuyiFisheries Improvement Project & Eco-label Expert/Developing World FisheriesDr Serge Raemaekers (Director/Co-founder)Ocean Innovation Technology ExpertMr Nicolaas Waldeck (Co-founder)Community Engagement DirectorMs Abigail Leadbeater (Partner Representative)Community-Led Conservation PractitionerFUNDERS
ABALOBI's programme of work is currently supported by: The Happel FoundationThe Oak FoundationColeman Family VenturesCartier for Nature FoundationSchmidt Marine Technology PartnersOcean Risk and Resilience Action AllianceSwedish Society for Nature ConservationFood & Agricultural Organization of the United NationsGovernment of FlandersWorldwide Fund for Nature and Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)African UnionMargaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP)Blue Action FundSeyCCATUnited Nations Development Program (UNDP)
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
We collaborate globally with local implementation partners
We are a diverse and multidisciplinary team driven by passion and empathy. We are focused on outcome and impact and hold deep respect for the communities with whom we work. Join us if you are driven, adaptable, creative, excited by technology and committed to contributing to social and environmental change.
ABALOBI is a South African-based organisation striving to elevate small-scale fishing communities for social, economic and ecological sustainability
