Grand-Bassam hosts pivotal workshop to shape Côte d’Ivoire’s blue economy future
Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire — A high-level validation workshop for reports on blue economy thematic groups kicked off today in Grand-Bassam. Organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the event aims to align these technical documents with national sustainable development priorities while uncovering partnership opportunities for the sector’s growth.
FAO underscores commitment to Côte d’Ivoire’s blue economy development
Dedi Séraphin, FAO Côte d’Ivoire program officer representing the agency’s resident representative, highlighted the UN organization’s long-standing collaboration with Ivorian authorities. This partnership focuses on strengthening food security, sustainable natural resource management, and—through a dedicated blue economy project—the responsible development of aquatic, fisheries, and coastal resources. He described the thematic group reports as strategic decision-making tools designed to guide public policy and investment in the blue economy, ensuring alignment with local realities and national priorities.
During the two-day workshop, participants are encouraged to identify concrete public-private partnership opportunities and critically review the reports to produce actionable, prioritized recommendations with clear accountability frameworks. Séraphin reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in implementing these outcomes, leveraging its technical expertise and fostering dialogue among government, private sector, and technical partners.
The goal is to transform recommendations into high-priority actions, complete with realistic timelines and tailored financing mechanisms, positioning the blue economy as a sustainable driver of food security, job creation, and resilience.
Government pledges support for sustainable blue economy initiatives
Dr. Kaba Ibrahima, technical advisor representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, emphasized the government’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s recommendations. He stressed the importance of promoting a sustainable blue economy to bolster food sovereignty, youth employment, and economic growth. The government also expressed gratitude to FAO for its ongoing technical and methodological support, reaffirming the agency’s role in advancing national priorities.
The workshop, which brings together key blue economy stakeholders—including experts, researchers, sectoral ministry representatives, private sector actors, financial and technical partners, and civil society—will conclude tomorrow, July 31, 2026.