Abidjan is championing deeper South-South collaboration in the blue economy sector, following a pivotal working mission undertaken by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, the Minister of Animal and Fishery Resources. From June 10 to 12, 2026, Minister Touré led a delegation to both Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships.
This diplomatic journey forms a crucial part of advancing Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy. This initiative is recognized as a vital catalyst for sustainable economic growth, fostering job creation, and optimizing the value of the nation’s rich marine and fishery 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 exchanges primarily focused on bolstering cooperation across key areas such as fishing practices, aquaculture development, and the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Mauritian authorities conveyed their strong willingness to support Côte d’Ivoire in developing its blue economy, particularly through sharing valuable expertise, providing training opportunities, and initiating joint projects. Both nations are actively working towards finalizing a comprehensive memorandum of understanding, designed to formalize and structure their burgeoning partnership.
In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation delved into discussions concerning blue economy governance frameworks with local dignitaries, including Prime Minister Wallace Cosgrow, who also holds the ministerial portfolio for the sector, alongside various technical officials.
These conversations spanned critical topics such as the sustainable management of marine resources, strategies to combat illicit fishing activities, the modernization of industry value chains, and overall sectoral development. The mission also featured insightful visits to key 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 promising avenues for cooperation were pinpointed. These include enhancing blue economy governance, advancing aquaculture practices, fostering scientific research and innovation, and reinforcing efforts to combat illegal fishing. Formal agreements, in the form of memorandums of understanding, are anticipated to be signed soon to solidify these partnerships.
Through this significant mission, Côte d’Ivoire unequivocally reaffirms its commitment to drawing inspiration from successful African models. This proactive approach aims to fortify its national blue economy development strategy and cultivate South-South cooperation founded on shared expertise and the principles of sustainable progress.