The Blue Economy in Madagascar presents a unique opportunity for coastal communities, particularly women and youth, spanning social, economic, and environmental benefits. When managed sustainably and inclusively.

This week, 20 women and youth representing 10 Blue Economy Entrepreneurship groups from rural communes in the Antsiranana Seascape came together for a five-day bootcamp which seeks to equip them with essential business skills, address existing skills gaps and offer individualized assistance for the development of viable, resilient entrepreneurial activities aligned with local priorities.

The beneficiaries of this program are the ‘pioneers of tomorrow’ because their creativity, determination and passion are the driving force of change,” said Holy Ratsimanoroarisoa, Seascape Manager, Mission inclusion. “This program is a gateway to a better future, a future where the blue economy becomes a lever for shared prosperity.”

Une femme a un visage chaleureux et souriant alors qu'elle tient un microphone pour L'économie bleue en Madagascar.

Building a Better Future, Led by Coastal Women and Youth

 

The bootcamp is the first major step in the Blue Economy Incubation Programme in Madagascar, an initiative designed to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of coastal communities particularly coastal women and youth who are currently engaged in activities like fish processing and crab fattening.

But this is more than an economic program. It is also a space for empowerment, addressing the barriers that have held women and youth back and recognizing the power that already exists within these coastal changemakers.

Today is not the start of a project,” said Sariaka Nantenaina, Executive Director at C for C. “It is the beginning of a movement. A movement led by women with vision, courage, and dreams bigger than their village boundaries, bigger than society’s limits.

Un groupe diversifié d'environ 40 personnes debout sur des marches, posant pour une photo de groupe pour L'économie bleue en Madagascar.

An Inclusive Ocean Future, Anchored in Local Leadership

 

The bootcamp also unveiled the Blue Economy Entrepreneurship Manual, a new guide specifically designed for local entrepreneurs operating within ocean-linked sectors. With it, and with continued support from business mentors and community leaders, these groups will be better equipped to lead ventures that not only support livelihoods but also contribute to marine conservation and climate resilience.

We are equipping each group with entrepreneurial skills while strengthening their leadership capacity and collective resilience,” explained Noor Jehan Docrat, Coastal Community Development Specialist. “This is about recognising coastal communities not as beneficiaries, but as stewards and architects of our collective ocean future.

A Model for the Region

 

The launch of this bootcamp, supported by Global Affairs Canada under the ReSea Project, has also drawn strong backing from regional government. Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Diana Region, Director of Regional Development Théogène Bealahy reaffirmed the alignment between the initiative and the regional development strategy.

One of our key priorities is the promotion of the Blue Economy, which is vital for our region, given that we are blessed with over 500 kilometers of coastline. This project also contributes significantly to the empowerment of women and the promotion of entrepreneurship, especially among women in our communities. These are essential pillars for sustainable and inclusive development in our region,” he said.