African universities and UniSey keen to enhance cooperation |26 September 2017

Experts from African universities have met to discuss the AU Agenda 2063 and blue oceans economy strategy at the University of Seychelles (UniSey).

The delegation led by the deputy executive dean of the University of South Africa (Unisa) Raphael Mpofa, also includes delegates from Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Tanzania.

They met members of The James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute (Beri) at the UniSey.

This visit is part of the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed between Unisa and the  African Union Commission in 2014 to assist the commission in research capacity building and capacity development initiatives as part of the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063.

The discussions centred on how cooperation with UniSey can be strengthened, and matters relating to economic development that is driven by a blue ocean economy initiative in line with the AU Agenda 2063.

The director of Beri, Kelly Hoareau, said the meeting is also linked with the integrated marine strategy for Africa 2050.

“We would like to strengthen collaboration with African countries and also identify opportunities for specific research types of research project that will help us prioritise in terms of our development of the Blue economy,” she said.

She said they also want to develop joint funding initiative as it has become more difficult to find funding while Seychelles has been classified as a high income country.

“Overseas development aid is very limited so opportunities to work with our African colleagues is really important to help us attract funding so that we can advance research without putting too much pressure on our finances,” she said.

Also present during the meeting was the principal secretary for Blue economy Rebecca Loustau-Lalanne, special advisor for the Blue economy Philippe Michaud, among other members of UniSey.

Mr Mpofa said this visit is being held to set up a viable and strong research focused initiative in Seychelles on Blue Ocean Economy.

“That will lead to a visible change in the way we manage our oceans, agricultural development in small and large economies, fisheries and everything that has to do with the Blue economy and out of that to share our findings with policy makers who can then help us to implement policies,” he said.

He said they also hope that this collaboration leads to setting up incubators for businesses especially for women and the youth.

The delegation arrived in the country on Saturday and they are leaving today.