Mayottethe perfume island, a biodiversity laboratory
Mayotte boasts exceptional biodiversity, with over 700 indigenous plants, 40 of which are endemic. This natural heritage, combined with traditional knowledge, encourages the development of innovative cosmetics and natural skincare products. The wealth of Perfumed, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (PAPAM), long used by the local population, meets the growing worldwide demand for ecological products.
Mayotte's lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to exceptional biodiversity. Innovative projects, such as the cultivation of seaweed for cosmetics and the production of Mabé pearls for jewelry and medicinal uses, exploit these unique marine resources.
Key figures
Native plants
Endemic species
Of the island covered by forest reserves
Protected natural lands
Examples of plants and traditional cosmetics on the island of Mayotte
Flagship sectors : Vanilla and Ylang-Ylang
The two main sectors are vanilla and ylang-ylang. Mayotte's vanilla has a distinct aromatic profile compared with neighboring countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Réunion). Mayotte ylang-ylang is also recognized for its extra-superior fraction, which gives it a high-end positioning in perfumery and cosmetics.
Key players
The sector is supported by players such as the Pôle d'Innovation Intégré de Mayotte (PI²M), which promotes the sustainable exploitation of PAPAM and enhances marine ecosystems. In partnership with Cosmetic Valley, local companies gain access to expertise and international markets.
The N'gaya Maoré cosmetics cluster brings together local players in the cosmetics industry with the ambition of offering bio-sourced products combining innovation and tradition.
The PI²M (Pole d'Innovation Intégré de Mayotte) supports the industry with technical and scientific assistance, notably through collaborations with the CRIOBE laboratory at the University of Perpignan, ADIM and the Conseil Départemental. There are two extraction and analysis platforms to determine the molecules in Mayotte's biodiversity.
The Project PIOM
The Plan Innovation Outre-Mer (PIOM) is a program designed to support innovation in the French overseas territories. The winning project for Mayotte is led by the Pôle d'Innovation Intégré de Mayotte (PI²M). This project aims to enhance the value of marine and terrestrial biodiversity by supporting the development of sectors of excellence in cosmetopoeia and pharmacopoeia. With a budget of 2.5 million euros, it encourages innovation and the structuring of the sector.
The Project PAPAM
The Comptoir des Plantes à Parfums, Aromatiques et Médicinales (PAPAM) project, led by the Mayotte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), aims to structure the industry by integrating a regional approach with Madagascar and the Comoros. The aim is to develop value chains, support companies in upgrading their skills and increase the competitiveness of local products on international markets.
The project is supported by European Interreg V funds and has three main focuses:
- Inventory of the PAPAM industry and assessment of the potential for value-added.
- Technical and economic studies to guide product marketing.
- Enhancing the skills of economic players through appropriate training.
Investment opportunities
- Investment in local processing infrastructures for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Research partnerships with the phytochemistry laboratory to develop new extracts and product ranges.
- Export opportunities, taking advantage of European market access and high quality standards.
Mayotte offers unique potential in cosmetopoeia and pharmacopoeia, thanks to its exceptional biodiversity and ongoing initiatives to structure the sector. Investors have the opportunity to participate in a fast-growing industry, combining innovation, sustainability and the valorization of local know-how.