For its third edition, the Indian Ocean CEO Summit is leaving Madagascar and moving to Reunion Island. On 11 and 12 March 2027, the Moca estate in the hills of Saint-Denis will host around 600 decision-makers from 30 countries — a first for the island, which aspires to become a fully-fledged regional economic crossroads.
A rapidly expanding regional summit
Launched in Antananarivo in 2024, the Indian Ocean CEO Summit held its second edition in Madagascar in March 2026, before announcing this move to Reunion Island. Organisation is handled by La Réunion Développement, in partnership with the Malagasy co-founders of the summit, Tantely Rakotomalala (Becom agency) and Tiana Rasamimanana (Madagascar Industries Federation). Among the expected guests: Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs, signalling the summit's ambition to expand beyond the usual Indian Ocean island circle.
According to an internal survey, 90% of MEDEF members who attended the previous edition came away satisfied, and 60% expect commercial benefits in the medium term.
Five strategic themes on the agenda
The programme will revolve around five strategic pillars: agribusiness and food security, blue and green economies, health, maritime and air connectivity, and new regional cooperation. All under the theme «The Power to Go Beyond — Conquering New Possibilities».
More than 100 speakers will take part over two days, combining plenary sessions, networking events, B2B meetings, an exhibition gallery and a CEO Summit Awards gala with six award categories.
A common Indian Ocean market on the horizon
Beyond the programme, a longer-term project is taking shape: advancing the idea of a common Indian Ocean market. The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the institutional networks of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are closely involved. Organisers aim for each edition to mark a concrete step toward deeper regional economic integration.
Why it matters
Hosting the CEO Summit in Reunion positions the island as a regional economic pivot, not merely an overseas territory. For local businesses, it opens a window onto markets of more than one billion people. For the region as a whole, it confirms that the Indian Ocean is determined to shape its own economic destiny, beyond dependence on distant capitals.