The Seychelles and Cote d'Ivoire have decided to strengthen their cooperation in the blue economy, according to the Seychelles News Agency. This partnership illustrates Victoria growing continental influence as a reference for ocean governance.
Seychelles: global pioneers of the blue economy
For over a decade, Seychelles has made the blue economy a central pillar of its national strategy. In 2018, it issued the world first sovereign blue bond — a 5 million obligation backed by the World Bank to finance sustainable fisheries and marine conservation projects.
The country manages an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.37 million square kilometres — 155 times the archipelago land area. Tuna fishing, maritime tourism, and maritime services are the pillars of this blue economy.
Cote d'Ivoire: a heavyweight partner
Cooperation will focus on sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Both countries also share an interest in maritime tourism and environmentally responsible port infrastructure.
The Blue Economy Day Bazaar 2026
Seychelles Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy organised its Blue Economy Day Bazaar 2026, bringing together local producers, fishers, researchers, and institutional partners. The 2026 edition highlighted innovations in fish processing, aquaculture, and renewable marine energy.
Why it matters
The Seychelles-Cote d'Ivoire cooperation signals that the blue economy is no longer the preserve of small island states, but is becoming a fully-fledged South-South cooperation axis. For the Indian Ocean as a whole, the Seychellois model offers a roadmap applicable to other territories, from Madagascar to the Comoros.