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

This strategic tour forms an integral part of Côte d’Ivoire’s national blue economy strategy, which is recognized as a crucial driver for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and the enhanced value of 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, who oversees Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries. Their exchanges primarily focused on deepening cooperation across key areas such as fishing, aquaculture, and the sustainable management of marine resources.

Mauritian authorities expressed their readiness to support Côte d’Ivoire in advancing its blue economy initiatives. This support would encompass sharing valuable expertise, providing specialized training, and collaborating on joint projects. Both nations are currently working towards finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formally structure and solidify their partnership.

In Seychelles, the Ivorian delegation delved deeper into discussions concerning blue economy governance mechanisms. Meetings were held with key local authorities, including Prime Minister Wallace Cosgrow, who also serves as the minister responsible for the sector, alongside several technical officials.

The discussions in Seychelles encompassed critical topics such as the sustainable management of fisheries resources, strategies to combat illegal fishing, the modernization of various sector value chains, and overall development. The mission also included important site visits to port infrastructures in Victoria, Providence, and Cascade, as well as a visit to a hatchery and the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles.

Upon the conclusion of this extensive tour, several promising avenues for cooperation were identified. These include blue economy governance, aquaculture development, scientific research, innovation, and joint efforts to combat illegal fishing. Formal protocols of agreement are expected to be signed in the near future to solidify these burgeoning partnerships.

Through this 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 the reciprocal sharing of expertise and fostering sustainable development across the region.