“Our goal is to produce within the region, and for the region”

Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius

• “It is unfortunate to note that our islands remain extremely dependent on the importation of a large majority of food products.”

• “It is time for the IOC economic and commercial space to facilitate the flow of investments and ease the movement of people and capital.”

At the 5^th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam called for stronger regional cooperation to address shared challenges, including food security, maritime security, and economic resilience. Against a backdrop of global instability, he urged member states to intensify collaboration, modernise trade links, and strengthen the region’s self-sufficiency to better withstand external shocks.

Speaking at the 5^th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, called for urgent and deeper regional cooperation to strengthen food security, maritime security, and economic resilience across the Indian Ocean islands.

Opening the summit at the Centre de Conférences Internationales d’Ivato, Dr Ramgoolam described the event as “of a particular nature” due to the current global context, which he said is “marked by fragility, susceptibility, and impulsiveness.”

He warned that economic relations are being increasingly weaponized on the global stage. “The economy is being instrumentalized to redefine international relations,” he said, adding that small island states are at greater risk of being marginalised in this shifting environment.

Against this backdrop, the Mauritian Prime Minister urged IOC member states to “act collectively to face the challenges of the day” and to learn from the collective resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Building Regional Food Security

The summit, themed “Food Security and Sovereignty for the Development of the Indianocéanie Market,” placed food sovereignty at the heart of discussions.

“It is unfortunate to note that our islands remain extremely dependent on the importation of a large majority of food products,” Dr Ramgoolam said. He argued that developing intra-regional trade would lower reliance on external markets and reduce transport costs.

Dr Ramgoolam praised recent efforts to improve connectivity, noting that “the upcoming operation of a maritime line, initiated by the Seychelles, deserves to be commended” for boosting trade links between islands.

He further tied food security to broader development goals, stressing the need to manage marine ecosystems sustainably and combat drug trafficking. “Seafood products represent the main source of protein for more than one-third of our populations,” he said, urging stronger action to protect marine resources.

“Improving port connectivity, optimising maritime costs, and modernising logistical infrastructures are crucial steps towards efficient regional and global trade.”

Highlighting maritime security, Dr Ramgoolam confirmed that “Mauritius has expressed its interest to join the Combined Maritime Forces,” alongside more than 46 other nations.

“We have a duty to bring a new direction to the Indian Ocean Commission to ensure even greater resilience and consolidate regional integration,” he concluded.

Calls for Investment and Innovation in Agriculture

Later, during a roundtable discussion on food systems and regional trade, Dr Ramgoolam called for a shift in regional production strategies to meet the islands’ needs. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts across the world, and the climate emergency have highlighted the vulnerability of our countries’ food systems,” he said. He therefore stressed the need for urgent and collective action to build food self-sufficiency.

“Our goal is to produce within the region, and for the region,” Dr Ramgoolam said. This, he added, would “create regional trade dynamics” and lower dependence on distant suppliers.

Mauritius already imports cereals from Madagascar, a country which, according to Dr Ramgoolam, “can play a leading role, given its resources and potential.”

The Mauritian Prime Minister outlined the essential pillars needed to achieve food sovereignty, including infrastructure development, investment protection, and regulatory harmonisation. Modern agriculture practices must also be promoted, he said, insisting that “at a time when we are talking about sustainable agriculture, digital agriculture, biotechnology, and innovative early warning systems, it is important to stress that our needs are numerous.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the challenge of attracting younger generations to the agricultural sector. “The agricultural and agri-food sector also suffers from an image deficit. It is vital to restore the sector’s image,” he said, proposing modern technologies and innovative business models to make agriculture more appealing.

Reviving the IOC Economic Space

Dr Ramgoolam also addressed the need to revitalise the idea of an IOC economic and commercial space, first proposed fifteen years ago.

“It is time for the IOC economic and commercial space to become a living reality,” he said. Such a zone, he argued, would “facilitate the flow of investments, ease the movement of people and capital,” and reduce non-tariff barriers that restrict regional trade.

On maritime connectivity, he added that “improving port connectivity, optimising maritime costs, and modernising logistical infrastructures are crucial steps towards efficient regional and global trade.”

Dr Ramgoolam ended by reaffirming Mauritius’ commitment to regional solidarity, adding that “it is crucial that we strengthen our collaboration and take concrete actions to achieve our common goals”.