Abidjan, June 22, 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire is actively enhancing its South-South cooperation in the crucial blue economy sector. This commitment was underscored by a recent working mission to Mauritius and Seychelles, conducted between June 10 and 12, 2026, by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, the Ivorian Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources.
This strategic visit forms an integral part of Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy implementation. The nation views the blue economy as a vital engine for sustainable growth, a significant creator of employment opportunities, and a key pathway for maximizing the value of its marine and fisheries resources.
During the initial leg of the mission in Mauritius, the Ivorian minister engaged in productive discussions with his counterpart, Arvin Boolell Gosk, who oversees Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries. Their dialogue centered on reinforcing cooperation across various domains, including fishing practices, aquaculture development, and the sustainable management of invaluable marine resources.
Mauritian authorities conveyed their strong willingness to support Côte d’Ivoire in advancing its blue economy initiatives. This support notably includes sharing expertise, providing specialized training, and collaborating on joint projects. Both nations are currently working towards finalizing a memorandum of understanding, designed to formalize and structure their burgeoning partnership.
In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation engaged in extensive discussions with local authorities, including Prime Minister Wallace Cosgrow, who also holds the portfolio for the sector, and numerous technical experts. These talks focused on intricate blue economy governance mechanisms.
Key topics addressed included the sustainable management of fisheries resources, effective strategies for combating illegal fishing, the modernization of various industry sectors, and the development of robust value chains. The mission also provided valuable opportunities to tour significant port infrastructures in Victoria, Providence, and Cascade, alongside visits to a modern hatchery and the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles.
Concluding this insightful tour, several pivotal areas for future cooperation were identified. These encompass blue economy governance, advancements in aquaculture, fostering scientific research, driving innovation, and intensifying efforts to combat illegal fishing. Formalizing these partnerships through forthcoming memoranda of understanding is anticipated.
Through this comprehensive mission, Côte d’Ivoire unequivocally reaffirms its commitment to drawing inspiration from successful African models. The nation aims to fortify its national blue economy development strategy and champion South-South cooperation, emphasizing shared expertise and the pursuit of sustainable development across the region.