Q&A: 60 seconds with Barkha Moussa

Barkha Moussa is the Second Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in Mauritius. Here we speak to her about the upcoming World Economic Forum on Africa, taking place in Cape Town on 4th and 5th June.

You’re from Mauritius, which the WEF rates as the most competitive economy: how’s life there?

I’m always proud when such statistics come up, because they are the result of a combination of heavy investment in human capabilities combined with fiscal/monetary/business savviness! Life in Mauritius has its highs and lows – as with any developing country it has its challenges; there is definitely the “island” vibe – laidback, chilled people combined with gorgeous beaches. At the same time you see the gaps and the sheer potential of the island – which is manifested by the rapidity with which development projects, including infrastructural ones, are happening.

Previously, you’ve been an environmental activist but now you work for the government: has this been a difficult transition to make?

Yes, and no. Yes, because as an activist you focus on one specific agenda and have one specific message to convey – whereas in government you must deal with diverse stakeholders and balance different (and difficult!) policy avenues. However, I believe it’s important to see all sides of the spectrum: civil society, government and the business sector all have a role to play in environmental sustainability. It was a matter of choosing which side allows me to be of service. The fact that the sustainable development of the ocean and of SIDS is right up in the foreign policy agenda made it possible for me to stick to what I love and what I believe in – and advocate for it.

You’re also a member of the Port Louis hub of the Global Shapers: tell us about its work

The Port Louis Hub has an expansive portfolio of sustainable development related projects. Very importantly though, the Hub is mirroring the ethos of the World Economic Forum: providing a safe space for dialogue among key stakeholders. We did this around the topic of the regeneration of the city of Port Louis, but over the past months we have focused on the stakeholders to the ocean – the fisherfolk, the business community, youth. At the moment, we are excited to organise the second chapter of #SeeingBlue, our flagship project on the marine environment – this year’s focus will be all about tackling marine debris!

What will you be doing in Cape Town?

My secret agenda for the brief tour in Cape Town is to draw as much inspiration as I can from the impressive people that I will be surrounded with. I’m itching to hear Africa’s story being told by its own youth and the World Economic Forum on Africa is one of the main platforms for this.

What one outcome would you love to see come out of the Meeting?

I wish to see a strong commitment towards making youth active decision makers in three areas of governance which are crucial, in my opinion: Africa’s natural resources (including mineral ones and biodiversity); Africa’s energy future; and Africa’s financial architecture.

This WEF Africa Leader series conversation was first published in Business Report in association with WEF. Follow WEF Africa coverage on Twitter #AF15 or #IndyAF15.

Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: Barkha Moussa is the Second Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in Mauritius and member of the St. Louis hub of Global Shapers.

Image: A long exposure picture shows a seasonal fog illuminated by the lights of Cape Town harbour. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings.