By joining Katapult Ocean’s latest accelerator cohort, Seaweed Café has achieved a milestone that extends far beyond its own business success. As the sole African startup selected, the company now represents Tanzania in a global arena dedicated to ocean innovation and sustainable food systems. This recognition brings new opportunities for growth, investment and product development.
The company, known to many consumers as Seaweed Café, joined Katapult Ocean’s 8th cohort alongside startups from the US, UK, Netherlands and the UAE. Being the sole African representative places Seaweed Café on a global stage and gives it access to world-class mentorship, funding networks and ocean impact partners. Most importantly, it strengthens the company’s ability to scale its work with seaweed farmers and grow a seaweed-for-food market that meets international quality standards.
This achievement comes at a time when the company is already expanding fast. Backed by the FUNGUO Innovation Program, Seaweed Café added new outlets in Moshi, Mwanza and Tanga during the third quarter of 2025. Its products are now stocked in 67 retail stores across Tanzania. This mix of global recognition and local growth positions the startup as one of East Africa’s most promising players in the blue economy.
Strengthening Tanzania’s Seaweed Farming Communities
Seaweed Café’s work extends far beyond retail shelves. A recent partnership with Action for Ocean connected the company to 252 new seaweed farmers in northern Tanga. This brings it 55 percent closer to its goal of working with 1,000 farmers by 2030. For many of these farmers, especially women, seaweed farming is a source of stable income and a path to economic independence.
By integrating more farmers into its supply chain, the company is building a model where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Seaweed is one of the world’s most climate-friendly crops. It requires no freshwater, no soil and no fertilizers. Supporting seaweed farmers not only strengthens coastal communities but also contributes to the global shift toward regenerative ocean practices.
The company’s growing influence is also reflected in the profile of its founder, Nancy Iraba. She recently represented Tanzania at the UN Global Seaweed Initiative launch in New York, where she spoke about the country’s potential in the global seaweed sector. Her role highlights how African entrepreneurs can lead on global ocean issues when given the right platforms.
Seaweed Café’s mission has always been clear. The company is committed to delivering safe, clean and high-quality seaweed foods that consumers can trust. Customer feedback continues to support this promise. Many buyers say Seaweed Café’s seamoss is the cleanest on the market. Others appreciate that the powders are odor-free, blend smoothly and come in professional packaging. Some long-term users report health improvements after consistently using the gels for several months.
Taste, quality and safety remain the company’s biggest strengths. Seaweed Café is the only certified seaweed-for-food brand in Tanzania that meets strict food safety standards. This credibility is a major advantage as the company moves toward regional and global markets.
A Fast-Growing Brand With a Clear Vision
Seaweed Café has built its reputation around a simple but strong value proposition. It sources only the best seaweed from trusted farmers and processes it through environmentally friendly methods. This ensures its products remain pure and nutritious while protecting marine ecosystems.
The company also maintains a strong commitment to fairness and sustainability in its supply chain. By paying farmers fairly and supporting their communities, Seaweed Café shows that ethical sourcing is not only possible but profitable. This model allows consumers to improve their health while supporting the livelihoods of Tanzanian seamoss farmers.
The product range continues to grow, reflecting the company’s goal of making seaweed more accessible. From seaweed gels and powders to sea lettuce and capsules, Seaweed Café is making seaweed easy to use for everyday nutrition. Whether someone wants to boost wellness, add nutrients to meals or explore natural superfoods, the brand makes seaweed simple and affordable.
This year, Katapult Ocean reported that its 2025 cohort is its most technically advanced and commercially ready group so far. As part of this group, Seaweed Café gains access to training, global investors and networks shaping the future of ocean health and sustainable food systems. The accelerator will culminate in the Katapult Ocean Digital Investor Day on December 10, where 13 startups will present technologies aimed at transforming ocean-related industries.
For Seaweed Café, this means global exposure at a time when interest in ocean-based food and climate solutions is rising. It also means new opportunities for partnerships and investments as the world looks toward Africa’s blue economy for growth and innovation.
