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

This strategic tour forms a crucial part of implementing Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy. The nation views this sector as a powerful engine for sustainable growth, job creation, and the enhanced utilization of its valuable marine and fisheries resources.

In Mauritius, the initial stop of the mission, the Ivorian minister engaged in comprehensive discussions with his counterpart, Arvin Boolell Gosk, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries. Their talks centered on fortifying cooperation across key areas such as fisheries management, aquaculture development, and the sustainable stewardship of marine resources.

Mauritian authorities conveyed their readiness to support Côte d’Ivoire in expanding its blue economy initiatives. This assistance will notably involve sharing expertise, providing specialized training, and collaborating on joint projects. Both nations are actively working towards finalizing a memorandum of understanding designed to formalize and structure their burgeoning partnership.

In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the governance frameworks of the blue economy. These exchanges involved local authorities, including Prime Minister and sector-specific Minister Wallace Cosgrow, alongside various technical officials.

Key topics addressed included the sustainable management of fisheries resources, effective strategies to combat illegal fishing, the modernization of industry sectors, and the development of robust value chains. The mission also facilitated visits to critical port infrastructure in Victoria, Providence, and Cascade, as well as an aquaculture hatchery and the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles.

Upon the conclusion of this extensive tour, several pivotal areas for future cooperation were identified. These include blue economy governance, advancements in aquaculture, scientific research and innovation, and concerted efforts against illicit fishing activities. Formalizing these partnerships is anticipated through the signing of various memoranda of understanding in the near future.

Through this significant mission, Côte d’Ivoire unequivocally reaffirms its commitment to drawing inspiration from successful African models. This proactive approach aims to bolster its national strategy for blue economy development and foster robust South-South cooperation, fundamentally rooted in shared expertise and the pursuit of sustainable progress.