The Côte d’Ivoire is taking significant strides toward sustainable blue economy development, as key stakeholders convene in Grand-Bassam for a critical validation workshop. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the two-day event focuses on aligning thematic group reports with national priorities to unlock investment opportunities and foster public-private partnerships in aquatic and coastal resource management.
Strategic collaboration for sustainable aquatic resource management
Under the guidance of the FAO’s representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Dedi Séraphin, the workshop underscores the agency’s long-standing collaboration with the Ivorian government. The initiative aims to strengthen food security policies, promote sustainable natural resource management, and enhance the responsible exploitation of marine, fisheries, and coastal resources through a dedicated blue economy project.
Highlighting the importance of the thematic reports, Séraphin emphasized their role as decision-making tools for policymakers and investors. These documents integrate field realities and national priorities, ensuring that recommendations are both practical and aligned with the country’s development goals.
Driving actionable partnerships and policy reforms
The workshop encourages participants to critically assess the reports and identify tangible public-private partnership opportunities. The goal is to craft realistic, time-bound recommendations with clear accountability, ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms are in place. By doing so, Côte d’Ivoire aims to position its blue economy as a cornerstone for food security, youth employment, and economic resilience.
Séraphin reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting the implementation of these recommendations. The organization will leverage its technical expertise and facilitate dialogue among public, private, and technical partners to translate plans into measurable actions.
Government commits to blue economy transformation
Representing the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Dr. Kaba Ibrahima, Technical Advisor to the government, reiterated the administration’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s recommendations. The focus is on fostering a sustainable blue economy that bolsters food sovereignty, empowers youth employment, and drives economic growth.
The government expressed deep appreciation for the FAO’s ongoing support, praising its technical and methodological contributions. This partnership is seen as vital to advancing national priorities and ensuring the blue economy remains a key driver of development.
Diverse stakeholder engagement for holistic solutions
The workshop brings together a broad spectrum of actors, including industry experts, researchers, sectoral ministry representatives, private sector leaders, technical and financial partners, and civil society organizations. The collaborative effort aims to finalize actionable strategies by the close of the two-day session on July 31, 2026.
