Côte d’Ivoire advances blue economy with FAO-backed strategic roadmap

A two-day workshop to validate reports from four thematic groups on blue economy kicked off today in Grand-Bassam. Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the event aims to align these findings with Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable development goals and identify partnership opportunities for the sector’s growth.

Addressing participants, Dedi Séraphin, FAO Programme Officer in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the organisation’s long-standing support for the Ivorian government in shaping policies for food security, sustainable natural resource management, and the blue economy. He emphasised that the thematic group reports serve as strategic decision-making tools, designed to guide public policies and investments while reflecting local realities and national priorities.

Dedi urged attendees to leverage these sessions to pinpoint concrete public-private partnership opportunities and critically review the reports. The goal is to craft actionable, prioritised recommendations with clear responsibilities and realistic timelines.

The FAO representative reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to assisting Côte d’Ivoire in implementing the workshop’s outcomes. This support includes mobilising technical expertise and fostering dialogue among public, private, and technical partners to translate recommendations into priority actions.

The ultimate aim is to position the blue economy as a sustainable driver for food security, job creation, and resilience in the country.

Government reaffirms commitment to sustainable blue economy

Dr Kaba Ibrahima, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, underscored the government’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s recommendations. He stressed their role in advancing a sustainable blue economy that enhances food sovereignty, youth employment, and economic growth.

The government expressed gratitude to the FAO for its ongoing support in promoting the blue economy, praising its technical and methodological assistance and eagerness to sustain this collaboration in line with national priorities.

The workshop, which brings together key blue economy stakeholders—including experts, researchers, sectoral ministry representatives, private sector actors, technical and financial partners, and civil society—will conclude tomorrow.