More than 80 delegates from six African Small Island Developing States (SIDS) met in São Tomé and Príncipe to define a shared vision for their development.
The African SIDS meeting took place from 3 to 5 March. Ministers, parliamentarians, experts and investors attended the three-day gathering. Participants discussed solutions to accelerate the transformation of agricultural and food systems. They also examined opportunities linked to the blue economy.
Delegates focused on practical measures to strengthen cooperation between island states. The discussions centred on improving food systems and identifying investment opportunities linked to marine resources.
The meeting produced several developments, including the launch of Phase II of the Hand-in-Hand investment initiative for African SIDS.
Participants also created the African Network for the Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems in SIDS.In addition, the meeting confirmed that Seychelles will lead the initiative for the next two years.A statement from participants outlined the purpose of the gathering.
“More than 80 delegates from six African Small Island Developing States met in São Tomé and Príncipe to define a common vision for their development,” the statement said.
The statement also described the focus of the discussions.“Ministers, parliamentarians, experts and investors exchanged on concrete solutions to accelerate the transformation of agricultural and food systems and to value opportunities offered by the blue economy.”
The Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, together with other African SIDS, reaffirmed their commitment to stronger regional cooperation.
Participants said cooperation will help build more resilient economies and support a sustainable future for their islands.