A recent business forum held in Ébène brought together French and Mauritian entrepreneurs for three panel discussions addressing specific challenges and opportunities for the Indian Ocean islands. The blue economy, sustainable development, technology, and innovation were highlighted as key sectors with high growth potential for this strategic region.
Unlocking the Blue Economy
“The potential of the blue economy is very real,” said Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, oceanographer and environmental engineer, during the panel on blue economy, food sovereignty, and regional value chains. He pointed to underexploited fishery resources on underwater banks between Mauritius and the Seychelles, emphasizing the opportunity to sustainably use ocean resources. Kauppaymuthoo also stressed the importance of enhancing food security, noting that Mauritius imports 80% of its food. “Blue proteins can help strengthen our food sovereignty,” he said.
However, transport between islands remains a significant obstacle. He advocated for the development of an inter-island shipping fleet and called for the fair and sustainable sharing of blue economy benefits.
Arnaud Lagesse, CEO of the IBL Group, highlighted Mauritius’s strategic position as a gateway for blue economy development in the Indian Ocean. “We need the support of our partners to make the region self-sufficient,” he said. Drawing from IBL’s experience, he explained how the group built an integrated tuna-processing chain starting in 1972, transforming fish into animal feed and oil.
Despite this success, Lagesse emphasized the need for regional cooperation to ensure resources remain available and value is created locally.
Challenges and Regulatory Gaps
Lagesse outlined several ongoing challenges. While some European countries have expanded their duty-free tuna import quotas from 15,000 to over 35,000 tons, concerns remain about uncontrolled entry and poor resource management. Negotiations with the EU aim to create fairer conditions for Mauritian exporters.
Another issue is that Port-Louis is not recognized as an eligible port by European shipowners, limiting the ability of foreign fleets to offload surplus production. Additionally, countries like Turkey, Ghana, Thailand, and Ecuador are emerging as competitors, complicating efforts to manage Indian Ocean resources effectively.
With fish migrating westward due to climate change and shifting ocean currents, Lagesse called for investment in studying El Niño effects, similar to cyclone monitoring efforts.
Cédric de Spéville, CEO of the Eclosia Group, stressed the importance of local production for food security. “Producing locally is essential,” he said, while also highlighting the importance of regional and international collaboration.
Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions
Another panel discussion focused on sustainability, including urban planning and green infrastructure. François Eynaud, CEO of Sunlife Mauritius, noted that “sustainability is a long journey, but we need to move fast.” He acknowledged the high carbon footprint of air travel and emphasized hotel industry efforts to reduce emissions and protect the island’s lagoons.
The panel also covered renewable energy, water and waste management, and the importance of sustainable urban development in transforming the region’s future.
The transition to a more responsible, sustainable, and high-quality tourism model was highlighted as crucial for protecting Mauritius’s natural assets while meeting visitor expectations.
Driving Digital Transformation
The third roundtable focused on innovation, technology, and digital transformation as catalysts for regional development. Mauritius’s digital advances—particularly in artificial intelligence—were identified as key to modernizing services and boosting competitiveness.
The session highlighted strong startup dynamics between France and Mauritius and called for the manufacturing industry to evolve toward a more automated, intelligent, and sustainable model aligned with Industry 4.0 standards.
Source: L’express
