Coastal Entrepreneurs Strengthen Blue Economy Businesses in Mozambique

The ReSea Project supports 22 entrepreneurs from coastal communities in developing climate-resilient marine businesses

In Vilanculos, Mozambique, 22 women and youth entrepreneurs gathered on July 7th for a week-long business development program focused on strengthening their marine enterprises.

These participants represent 11 Blue Economy Entrepreneurship groups from Inhassoro and Vilanculos Districts, already active in tourism, mangrove honey production, and marine product processing. What they’re gaining now are tools to overcome systemic barriers that have limited their business growth.

The Blue Economy Entrepreneurship Bootcamp brings together ReSea Project partners—Mission inclusion, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Muleide, and OceanHub Africa—with support from Global Affairs Canada. The goal is practical: strengthen business skills while supporting community-driven solutions that connect economic development with ocean conservation.

Building Business Skills

“At Mission inclusion, we believe that building a regenerative blue economy starts with investing in the people who live closest to the ocean,” said Perpetua Angima, ReSea Project Chief of Party. “This bootcamp is about empowering coastal entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to turn their ideas into impactful, climate-resilient businesses.”

The week-long curriculum includes workshops on sustainable enterprise development, marine value chain analysis, financial literacy, and nature-positive business models. Two new resources launch alongside the bootcamp: the Blue Economy Entrepreneurship Manual and the Soft Skills Manual.

Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

“Women are a force that inspires and transforms the future of the Blue Economy,” said Rafa Valente, Executive Director of Muleide. “With innovation, resilience and leadership, they drive sustainable solutions for the oceans and build a fairer and more prosperous world for all.”

“At IUCN, we are proud to support the Blue Economy Entrepreneurship Bootcamp,” said Tara Pelembe, Interim Country Manager, IUCN Mozambique. “These entrepreneurs possess an intuitive and profound understanding of the natural, social, economic, and cultural contexts in which they operate. As such, they hold the key to driving meaningful and lasting regeneration.”

The bootcamp addresses how coastal communities can grow economically while protecting marine resources :

“We are supporting businesses that restore ecosystems, create dignified livelihoods, and build generational resilience,” said Noor Jehan Docrat, Coastal Community Development Specialist, OceanHub Africa.

A Call for Responsible Growth

“The launch of this Bootcamp represents a valuable opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to acquire new skills, strengthen their businesses and contribute to the inclusive growth of the district,” said Eusébio Jorge Almoço, Director of District Services for Economic Activities, speaking on behalf of the Vilankulo District Administrator.

“To the graduates, our appeal is clear: make the most of this training. Use the knowledge you acquire to innovate, grow and make your businesses more resilient and competitive. But do so responsibly,” urged Mr Almoço. “Economic development is only truly sustainable when it goes hand in hand with the preservation of our natural resources.”

This bootcamp is part of the ReSea Project’s work across the Western Indian Ocean region, including Mozambique, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania, catalyzing women-led, inclusive ocean economies.

Download the full press release here

The ReSea Project is implemented by Mission inclusion and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the support of Global Affairs Canada.