Building an Equitable Blue Future in Madagascar

AfriCan Geopardy

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Welcome to the new month! In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explore “Building an Equitable Blue Future in Madagascar” with Dr Paubert Mahatante, Madagascar’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue

Economy. Dr Mahatante, who holds a PhD in applied oceanography and lectures at Toliara University on oceanography, fisheries, and climate change, brings a rare blend of scientific insight and policy

leadership to the discussion.

We open with the Malagasy proverb: “A tree becomes a canoe because of the goodness of the land where it took root”—a fitting reflection of Madagascar’s deep connection to its oceans and coasts. With over 5,000 km of coastline and some of the world’s richest biodiversity, Madagascar’s blue economy has vast potential yet faces pressing governance and sustainability challenges.

Our conversation explored seabed mining, unlocking ocean economy opportunities, and addressing maritime security, highlighting how technology, strategic partnerships, patrol vessels, and even drones are transforming enforcement capacity. We also raised provocative questions on how to balance international donor interests with local priorities, and whether emerging ocean opportunities risk repeating extractive patterns of the past.

Dr Mahatante responded with candour, sharing his vision of a just and inclusive blue economy, one where ocean benefits reach the people who depend on them, and where sustainability and equity are at the core.

This is a powerful conversation on technology, partnerships, and

community-driven solutions, and why Madagascar is on the path to becoming a model for inclusive ocean governance in Africa.

You won’t want to miss this one!

#AfriCan!

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