HEI-Blue Bootcamp launched to foster innovation for blue economy development

The Blue Accelerator Programme, HEI-Blue Bootcamp, bringing together 28 talented students from South-West Indian Ocean partner universities in the region, was launched, today in Réduit, by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell.

The Programme, which will be held from 20 to 24 April 2026, aims to foster innovative solutions with concrete actions in the development of the blue economy. The event was attended by the First Counsellor and Head of the Regional Trade Section of the European Union (EU) to Mauritius, Mr Moustapha Magumu, and the Executive Director of CAP Business Océan Indien, Mrs Virginie Lauret, among other distinguished guests.

The Bootcamp brings together innovators, academics, international partners, students, and entrepreneurs from Spain, Portugal, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles. It serves as a dynamic platform to refine and accelerate market-ready innovations in the Blue Economy sector.

In his address, Minister Boolell reiterated Government’s vision of positioning Mauritius as a leading Big Ocean State by harnessing the vast potential of its Exclusive Economic Zone, one of the largest in Africa. He emphasised the importance of sustainability, innovation and resilience in driving long-term development, while calling for strengthened collaboration to maximise ocean-based resources.

Highlighting this strategic vision, he underscored the need for collective efforts to fully harness ocean-based resources. He noted that port development remains a key priority to modernise infrastructure and strengthen Mauritius’ position as a regional maritime hub. He also raised concerns about challenges to maritime security, particularly illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Dr Boolell emphasised the need for reinforced vigilance, monitoring, and enforcement measures to safeguard marine resources and ensure sustainable use. As a Small Island Developing State, Mauritius must continue safeguarding marine biodiversity and meeting its international commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, he added.

Concerning research development and innovation, he indicated that plans are underway to establish a Faculty of Business and Blue Economy in Mauritius aimed at promoting practical and pragmatic research aligned with national and global challenges. With regard to the HEI-Blue Bootcamp, the Minister urged the participants to work collectively and propose ideas towards realising Mauritius’ vision as a resilient and forward-looking Ocean State.

For his part, Mr Magumu reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, shared prosperity and climate resilience in the Indian Ocean region. He underlined the crucial role of higher education institutions in fostering innovation and equipping future generations with the skills needed to drive transformation.

20 April 2026

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Topics: Maritime