Côte d’Ivoire boosts blue economy ties with mauritius and seychelles

Abidjan, June 22, 2026 – Côte d’Ivoire is significantly advancing its South-South cooperation in the crucial blue economy sector. This push follows a productive working mission conducted from June 10 to 12, 2026, to Mauritius and Seychelles by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, the Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources.

This strategic visit forms a key component of Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy implementation. The blue economy is recognized as a vital engine for sustainable development, job creation, and the optimal utilization of the nation’s rich marine and fishery resources.

During the initial phase of the mission in Mauritius, the Ivorian minister engaged in comprehensive discussions with his Mauritian counterpart, Arvin Boolell Gosk, who oversees Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries. Their talks centered on strengthening collaborative efforts in fisheries, aquaculture, and the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Mauritian officials expressed their readiness to support Côte d’Ivoire in expanding its blue economy, particularly through sharing valuable experiences, offering training programs, and undertaking joint ventures. Both nations are actively working towards finalizing a memorandum of understanding to formally structure this burgeoning partnership.

In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation delved deeper into the intricacies of blue economy governance frameworks with various local authorities. These discussions included engagements with Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the sector, Wallace Cosgrow, alongside several technical experts.

Key topics addressed in Seychelles encompassed the sustainable stewardship of fishery resources, strategies to combat illegal fishing activities, the modernization of industry sectors, and the development of robust value chains. The mission also featured insightful visits to critical port infrastructures in Victoria, Providence, and Cascade, as well as an aquaculture hatchery and the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles.

Concluding this extensive tour, several pivotal areas for future cooperation were identified. These include blue economy governance, advancements in aquaculture, collaborative scientific research, fostering innovation, and strengthening efforts against illicit fishing practices. The formalization of these partnerships is anticipated through the imminent signing of various memoranda of understanding.

Through this significant 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 sustainable progress.