(Posted 06th November 2024)
In The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the European Union have successfully launched the COPISTE 2024 pitch competition, a flagship event of the “Entrepreneurship and Business Facilitation in the Indian Ocean” (ENFA-OI) project.
This ambitious regional program aims to:
– Promote regional entrepreneurship, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs
– Facilitate trade within the region and with Europe
– Improve regional competitiveness by stimulating innovation
COPISTE 2024 brought together 20 promising startups selected from 113 applications from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles. During three intensive days in Mauritius, entrepreneurs participated in a bootcamp focused on strengthening their pitch presentation skills, a crucial ability for attracting investor attention and effectively promoting their services.
The highlighted sectors were:
– Tourism
– Seafood products
– Cosmetic and medicinal plants
The Vanilla Islands contributed their expertise from the project’s inception, enriching the event with their deep knowledge of the region.
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony where Mr. Edgard RAZAFINDRAVAHY, IOC Secretary General, Mr. José María TRONCOSO PERERA, Head of European Union Cooperation, and Mr. Pascal VIROLEAU, Director of Vanilla Islands, honored the six winning startups.
Pascal VIROLEAU, Director of Vanilla Islands, stated: “This initiative aims to develop talent and prepare for the future, particularly in the tourism sector.”
COPISTE 2024 marks a decisive step in the entrepreneurial dynamism of the Indian Ocean, strengthening economic ties between member states and Europe, and paving the way for a new generation of innovators.
From left to right: Amrita CRAIG – Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Pascal Award presentation by Pascal VIROLEAU to Vicky DURAND from Seychelles, winner in the Tourism category. Photo credits: Indian Ocean Commission
Strengthening Sustainable Inter-Island Tourism in the Indian Ocean
This project aims to strengthen an inter-island approach to sustainable tourism in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the cruise sector. The project is funded by the European Union under the INTERREG VI Indian Ocean program, managed by the Reunion Region. Europe is committed to Reunion Island through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
