Abalobi

ABALOBI — meaning 'fisher' in the isiXhosa language — is a South African social enterprise co-founded in 2015 by Serge Raemaekers that deploys a suite of mobile apps and digital tools to elevate small-scale fishing communities for social, economic, and ecological sustainability. The platform supports data collection, catch traceability, fisheries improvement programmes, and market access through its 'Fish With A Story' model, connecting fisher cooperatives with fair local and international seafood markets. ABALOBI combines a 'tech + touch' approach — pairing enabling technology with on-the-ground community support, skills-building, and financial inclusion initiatives — and has been recognized by Ashoka, UNESCO, and the Earthshot Prize for its impact on ocean livelihoods.