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

The coastal city of Grand-Bassam played host to a pivotal workshop on Thursday, where stakeholders gathered to validate and refine four thematic reports on the blue economy. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the two-day event aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable development priorities and aims to unlock new partnership opportunities to strengthen the nation’s aquatic and coastal sectors.

Dedi Séraphin, FAO’s Program Officer in Côte d’Ivoire, emphasized the agency’s long-standing collaboration with the Ivorian government in shaping policies that bolster food security and natural resource management. He highlighted a dedicated FAO project focused on sustainable exploitation of aquatic, fisheries, and coastal resources, describing the workshop’s reports as critical decision-making tools. These documents are designed to guide public policies and investments, ensuring alignment with ground realities and national priorities.

Participants were urged to leverage the workshop to identify tangible public-private partnership opportunities and critically assess the reports. The goal is to produce actionable, time-bound recommendations with clearly defined responsibilities, ensuring they translate into impactful initiatives.

The FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in implementing these recommendations through technical expertise and fostering dialogue among public, private, and technical partners. The ultimate aim is to transform these findings into priority actions equipped with realistic timelines and suitable financing mechanisms, positioning the blue economy as a sustainable driver for food security, job creation, and resilience.

Dr. Kaba Ibrahima, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, echoed the government’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s outcomes. The goal is to advance a sustainable blue economy that enhances food sovereignty, youth employment, and economic growth. He also expressed appreciation for FAO’s ongoing support, praising its technical and methodological guidance in aligning with national priorities.

The workshop brings together key players in the blue economy—including experts, researchers, ministry representatives, private sector actors, technical and financial partners, and civil society—concluding on Friday, July 31, 2026.