The Blue Economy Business Challenge Fund concluded successfully last week, bringing together 13 ambitious entrepreneurs eager to transform Seychelles’ burgeoning blue economy through innovative business solutions. Among the standout participants was Betty Mondon, recognised for her work with AWFISHNET, advancing women’s empowerment in the fisheries sector.
The Blue Economy Business Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Blue Economy in collaboration with Empowering Seychelles Blue Economy Entrepreneurs (ESBEE), Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), and sponsored by MCB Seychelles, is designed to spark innovation and nurture early-stage enterprises that support sustainable economic growth rooted in ocean-based resources.
Over the course of two days of intensive workshops, the 13 selected participants honed their business models, sharpened their pitches, and received mentorship from industry experts and sector specialists. These sessions focused on value-chain development, sustainable practice integration, and market readiness all aligning with Seychelles’ national vision for an inclusive and resilient blue economy.
The programme culminated in a full day of pitching, where competitors presented in front of a panel of judges drawn from the public and private sectors. This final day spotlighted the creativity, strategic planning, and practical potential of each venture as they vied for recognition and further opportunities to grow their concepts.
Among the innovators, Betty Mondon’s AWFISHNET project captured attention for its dual commitment to economic empowerment and gender inclusion. AWFISHNET builds on Mondon’s longstanding advocacy and capacity-building work to expand women’s participation in fisheries; a sector where women play a pivotal yet historically under-recognised role.
Speaking on the experience, Mondon said:
“Participating in the Blue Economy Business Challenge has been a powerful opportunity to sharpen our vision for inclusive fisheries and to connect with fellow change-makers dedicated to sustainable ocean-based growth.”
The Blue Economy Business Challenge continues to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial talent in Seychelles, offering a platform where ideas that support economic diversification and environmental sustainability can be showcased, refined, and scaled. Sponsors and partners celebrated the energy, innovation, and commitment demonstrated by all participants, reaffirming their support for the next generation of blue economy leaders.
