The Big Island will host the next edition of the FEIOI

The next edition of the Indian Ocean Islands Economic Forum (FEIOI) will be held in Madagascar. The announcement was made at the closing of the 15th edition, held on Wednesday, April 29, after three days of meetings, roundtables, and discussions among economic stakeholders in the region.

This edition focused on two main themes: artificial intelligence and the jobs of tomorrow, as well as blue biotechnology and the development of marine resources. Participants emphasized the importance of anticipating economic changes and strengthening cooperation among the islands of the Indian Ocean.

The decision to hold the next edition in Madagascar was formalized by the outgoing President of Cap Business Indian Ocean, Chamsouddine Ahmed, who handed over his responsibilities to Gil Razafintsalama, President of the Antananarivo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIA). “This choice confirms Madagascar’s important role in regional economic exchanges,” he declared.

According to Virginie Lauret, Executive Director of Cap Business Indian Ocean, the region is at the heart of global trade, but trade between the islands remains weak. She therefore called for strengthening economic ties and better leveraging local resources.

On the sidelines of the forum, several agreements were signed, notably between Comorian and Malagasy companies in the distribution of fertilizers, as well as between the chambers of commerce of Antananarivo and Ngazidja. These partnerships aim to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the region.

For the organizers, the next edition in Madagascar must primarily facilitate the transition from discussions to concrete actions. Priorities include agribusiness, digital technology, and the green economy, with the objective of strengthening economic integration and promoting sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.