Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Blue Economy: Engagement, Commitments, and Strategic Roadmap
Antananarivo, 28 May 2025 – The Forum on Mobilising Sustainable Financing and Partnerships for Fisheries and Aquaculture, held on 27–28 May 2025 at the Carlton Hotel in Antananarivo, marked a strategic milestone for Madagascar’s blue economy. Bringing together around one hundred participants from diverse backgrounds — public institutions, the private sector, fishing communities, donors, NGOs, and technical partners — the event was organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy (MPEB), with support from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), through the ECOFISH Programme funded by the European Union.
The forum aimed to accelerate the mobilisation of financing for the sustainable development of Madagascar’s fisheries sector, focusing on value chain structuring, financial innovation, community inclusion, and shared governance.
Strong Voices for a shared ambition
In his opening speech, Mr. Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, emphasised the importance of the forum, describing it as a signal of strong political will, a platform for coordination, and a starting point for structural change.
“Our ambition is clear: to make small-scale artisanal fisheries not a marginal sector, but a strategic pillar of the national economy. Today, we have the opportunity to build a blue economy that respects communities, creates local value, attracts responsible investment, and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries resources.”
H.E. Mr. Roland Kobia, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Madagascar, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the development of the fisheries sector in Madagascar.
“The ocean is a wealth, but also fragile. In Madagascar, artisanal fishing is a pillar of food security and social cohesion. But without sustainable governance, that wealth can become a vulnerability. The European Union stands with Madagascar in its blue transition, through the ECOFISH programme and the new SWIO programme with a budget of €58 million. Our support is not temporary—it is structural.”
Mr. Maminiaina Marc, Officer in charge at the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), reiterated the IOC’s role as a regional organisation committed to cooperation, integration support, and solidarity.
“This forum is not just a sectoral meeting. It represents a coherent national vision embedded in a regional dynamic. The IOC is committed as a funding catalyst, a dialogue facilitator, and a long-term partner for Madagascar. What we are building here is an architecture of food sovereignty, shared governance, and resilience in the face of climate and economic crises.”
The first day of the forum featured a series of dynamic sessions on key themes. The discussions offered an overview of Madagascar’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, existing financing mechanisms, governance frameworks, and the current legal and regulatory environment.
Dr. Sunil Sweenarain, Technical Coordinator of the ECOFISH Programme, presented a strategic analysis:
“Our study of the small-scale fisheries economy shows major untapped potential: up to 120,000 tonnes/year in production and more than USD 300 million in annual economic value. Every dollar invested in this sector can yield a return of 1.5 to 1.8 USD. But to achieve this, we must structure, train, equip, and most importantly, create inclusive financing mechanisms. The future of Madagascar’s blue economy starts with the strategic recognition of small-scale fishers.”
Good management practices were also shared—covering co-management, community-based management, marine protected areas (MPAs), locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), locally governed protected areas, and fisheries resource co-management systems.
The second day focused on governance, resource mobilisation, and new partnership opportunities. It brought together donor agencies, development banks, private investors, NGOs, and financial institutions specialised in impact investing.
This session highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, such as the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) presented by WWF, and ILO initiatives aimed at creating sustainable blue jobs. The common goal: catalysing investments in an inclusive and resilient blue economy for Madagascar.
The forum concluded with the official launch of a strategic roadmap for financing the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Madagascar.
This roadmap stems from a collective reflection process, enriched by field experience and concrete proposals gathered throughout stakeholder discussions. It marks a key milestone toward implementing tailored, inclusive, and long-term financing solutions.
A final matchmaking session brought together technical partners, investors, and project leaders to explore collaboration opportunities.
PRESENCE OF INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
International development agencies also reaffirmed their support for the structuring of the fisheries sector in Madagascar. The FAO emphasized the central role of artisanal fisheries in food security, and the importance of a clear budgetary framework to support its professionalization. The International Labour Organization (ILO), for its part, identified the blue economy as a source of sustainable jobs. With targeted investments, aquaculture could create over 5,500 direct jobs by 2030. A pilot project in the lobster sector is currently underway, demonstrating how blue growth and decent work can align.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) shared Zambia’s example, where legal frameworks enable organizations to mobilize and manage funds efficiently, using generated revenues to support development projects. These mechanisms facilitate the participation of NGOs and other actors in international funding and the implementation of sustainable projects. Madagascar could draw inspiration from this model to strengthen long-term financing for its own initiatives.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Ms. Ranaivoson Eulalie, Secretary General of the GAPCM (Groupement des Aquaculteurs et Pêcheurs de Crevettes de Madagascar), highlighted current barriers:
“Since 2023, industrial fishing and aquaculture companies have faced major administrative challenges: blocked refuelling for professional fishing vessels and the loss of free zone status for our members. These two measures hinder activity, weaken the sector’s competitiveness, and threaten jobs. We appeal to the State and partners to support swift and pragmatic reform.”
Mr. Randriatahiana Edmond, President of Ankoay Majunga, shared a powerful testimony:
“In the 1990s, every fishing trip would bring back 400 kg of fish. Today, it’s barely 40 kg. This dramatic drop is due to inadequate equipment, overharvesting of juveniles, and the lack of fish aggregating devices. We are asking for support—in training, equipment, preservation, and financing. Our families’ survival depends on it. And we are ready to organize and collaborate.”
Ms. Raharison Narindra, Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy (MPEB), underlined the importance of a strong legal framework:
“The Fisheries Code (Law 2015-053, amended in 2018) is our legal foundation. It covers fishing, aquaculture, and sanitary standards for fishery products. It is also an attractive tool for investors. It provides a framework for public-private partnerships (Article 108) and opens the door to research, innovation, and sustainable governance. But like any living document, it must evolve. We call for the expertise and resources needed to lead this reform, based on reliable data and clear objectives.”
Mr. Philippe Martel, Coordinator at APDRA – Rural Fish Farming, stressed the potential of rural aquaculture:
“Small-scale fish farming can meet Madagascar’s future needs. We work with farmers who have very small land plots, limited production capacity, and low yields. Our mission is to support them with technical advice, tailored training, and close guidance. Madagascar has around 150,000 hectares of rice paddies suitable for aquaculture. These could eventually produce 150,000 to 160,000 tons of fish per year. The main challenge lies in technical support. We need trained technicians to coach producers, but without adequate funding, it’s impossible to reach all potential beneficiaries. This forum helps highlight the crucial role of rural aquaculture and draws attention to the urgent need to fund technical training.”
A STRATEGIC SECTOR WITH HIGH POTENTIAL, IN NEED OF SUSTAINABLE FINANCING
With an extensive coastline and abundant aquatic resources, Madagascar holds significant potential to develop an inclusive blue economy, particularly in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This key sector contributes around 7% of national GDP and generates over one million direct and indirect jobs, while playing a vital role in national food security.
Exports of fishery products—shrimp, crab, tuna—are a major source of foreign exchange. However, the sector continues to face major structural challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and insufficient technological innovation.
To address these challenges, an estimated investment of between USD 170 and 250 million is needed to modernize equipment, strengthen human capacity, promote sustainable resource management, and support local community development.
The forum aims to mobilize public and private investors by emphasizing the sector’s economic, social, and environmental returns. For example, the estimated annual return on investment is 53%, highlighting the viability and attractiveness of Madagascar’s fisheries sector.
