Abidjan, June 22, 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire is significantly advancing its South-South cooperation in the realm of the blue economy. This strategic move was underscored by a recent working mission to Mauritius and Seychelles, conducted between June 10 and 12, 2026, by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, the Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources.
This important tour forms an integral part of Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy implementation. The blue economy is recognized as a vital catalyst for sustainable growth, a powerful engine for job creation, and a crucial framework for optimizing marine and fishery resources.
The first leg of the mission took the Ivorian minister to Mauritius, where he engaged in productive discussions with his counterpart, Arvin Boolell Gosk, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries. Their talks centered on enhancing collaborative efforts in critical sectors such as fishing, aquaculture development, and the sustainable management of marine resources.
Mauritian authorities expressed their full commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in nurturing its blue economy. This support is envisioned through various avenues, including sharing valuable expertise, providing specialized training, and embarking on joint projects. Both nations are actively working towards finalizing a memorandum of understanding to formally structure and solidify this promising partnership.
In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation engaged in profound discussions concerning blue economy governance mechanisms with local officials, including Prime Minister and sector minister Wallace Cosgrow, alongside various technical experts. These exchanges aimed to glean insights from Seychelles’ advanced experience in this domain.
The dialogue in Seychelles encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, from the sustainable management of fishery resources to effective strategies for combating illegal fishing, modernizing industry sectors, and developing robust value chains. The mission also provided invaluable opportunities for site visits to key port infrastructures in Victoria, Providence, and Cascade, as well as an aquaculture hatchery and the esteemed Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles.
Upon the conclusion of this insightful tour, several pivotal areas for future cooperation were identified. These include blue economy governance frameworks, aquaculture innovation, scientific research, technological advancement, and reinforced efforts to combat illicit fishing activities. Formal memoranda of understanding are anticipated to be signed soon, cementing these promising partnerships.
Through this impactful mission, Côte d’Ivoire emphatically reaffirms its dedication to drawing inspiration from successful African models. This approach aims to fortify its national blue economy development strategy and to champion South-South cooperation, built upon the principles of shared expertise and a collective commitment to sustainable progress.
