The Head of State calls for the development of agricultural resources

The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, spoke this Thursday, April 24, at the opening ceremony of the fifth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), taking place in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

This summit, themed “Food Security and Sovereignty for the Development of the Indian Ocean Market,” brings together the Heads of State and delegations of the five IOC member countries: Madagascar, the Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Réunion.

In his speech, President Ramkalawan emphasized the importance of the historical ties between Seychelles and Madagascar. He thanked the Malagasy government for the warm welcome and successful organization.

The Head of State then addressed the key issue of food security in the region. He highlighted the heavy dependence of Indian Ocean countries on food imports and the high cost of transportation, which accounts for up to 40% of the price of consumed products. President Ramkalawan emphasized the need to develop the region’s agricultural resources, particularly the strategic role of Madagascar, which holds more than 90% of the IOC’s arable land.

The Seychelles President also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a sustainable development model based on an integrated blue economy, ocean governance, and the preservation of the marine environment. He called for collective action to transform the region into a more inclusive, resilient, and self-sufficient reality.