FOSSEMM event highlights maritime opportunities

The Social and Solidarity Forum on the Economy of the Sea in Mayotte (FOSSEMM) is planned for October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Dembéni Technopole. The event aims to engage young people with maritime careers, despite challenges like limited nautical infrastructure and barriers to swimming education.

Event features workshops and job fair

Organized by Mlezi Maore and the Mayotte Agency for Development and Innovation (ADIM), FOSSEMM will include meetings, workshops, conferences, about thirty exhibitors, and a job fair. The goal is to demonstrate the lagoon's potential as a source of future employment for the island’s population.

French Navy to participate in recruitment

The French Navy, marking its 400th anniversary this year, will have a recruitment stand at the event. Organizers aim to showcase diverse maritime career paths, including mechanics, boat maintenance, fishing, tourism, and nautical activities.

Conference to bring stakeholders together

A conference on maritime economic professions will gather representatives from the French Navy, France Travail, the Local Mission, and training and insertion structures. A job fair is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, targeting high school students, students, and young people in insertion programs.

Public access to maritime activities

On the following day, high school students and young people will participate in workshops on lagoon species, navigation, maritime knots, plastic recycling, and aquatic ease. The Village of Maritime Professions will open to the public starting at 1:30 PM.

Olympic swimmer to support nautical activities

Coralie Balmy, a former Martinique swimmer and Olympic medalist, has been chosen as the event’s godmother. She will support nautical activities along the coast and help train educators to supervise them.

Challenges in developing the blue economy

Despite ambitious goals for the blue economy, the lack of infrastructure poses a significant challenge. In Mamoudzou, professionals in nautical activities have raised concerns about the absence of a pier, which hinders the development of their sectors.

Infrastructure gaps hinder progress

The development of the blue economy depends on both entrepreneurial innovation and public planning decisions. Without essential equipment and infrastructure, attracting new service providers and creating jobs becomes difficult.

Swimming lessons face safety issues

In Petite-Terre, school swimming sessions have been suspended due to inadequate facilities. In an island where the sea is central, access to aquatic learning remains a critical safety and education issue.

Underused facilities highlight planning issues

The Sakouli beach rescue station in Bandrélé, opened in July 2025, lacks lifeguards and is deteriorating due to lack of use. This situation reflects the gap between planned infrastructure and its actual implementation.

Support for young people and project leaders

Mlezi Maore supports young people seeking a future, while ADIM assists project leaders and maritime professionals aiming to develop new activities. These efforts require adapted infrastructure and sustained public commitment to succeed.

Innov'ACTION 976 competition to boost projects

ADIM aims to connect project leaders with experts, financiers, and institutions through its support mechanisms. The Innov'ACTION 976 competition will provide grants and support to selected initiatives, focusing on areas like biodiversity, marine resources, and ecological transition.

Focus on local industries and regional cooperation

FOSSEMM will include discussions on artisanal fishing, aquaculture, and marine funds. The Bandrélé salt industry will demonstrate how local products can be valued. The event also aims to foster cooperation with neighboring territories in the Indian Ocean.

Long-term vision for maritime engagement

Hugues Makengo plans to make FOSSEMM a recurring event every two years and launch a "FOSSEMM Club" with annual meetings. A magazine called Mayotte Océan is also being considered to maintain ongoing dialogue on maritime issues beyond the forum.