Africa’s seafood sector is growing fast, but investment and policy reforms are key to ensuring food security: Malabo Montpellier Panel
A new report emphasizes that Africa’s rapidly growing fisheries and aquaculture sector is vital for economic development and food security but requires significant investment and policy action to meet future demand and prevent shortages.
The 15th Malabo Montpellier Panel report, FISH-FRIENDLY: Policy Innovations for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, highlights successful strategies, policy innovations, institutional advancements and programmatic interventions adopted by African countries to enhance the role of fisheries and aquaculture in transforming food systems.
The report notes that Africa is leading the world in aquaculture expansion, with production surging more than five-fold since 2000 to reach 2.5 million metric tons (MT) in 2022. This accelerated growth is emerging as a key driver of economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
The sector currently employs approximately 6.1 million Africans and provides nearly 20 percent of Africa’s animal protein. However, to address a projected 11 million MT deficit by 2030, the report emphasizes the need for targeted policies and investments to sustain growth and avoid shortages. By 2050, Africa’s aquatic food supply must grow by 74 percent to maintain current per capita fish consumption levels.
“Fish and other aquatic foods play an increasingly important role in African diets and economic development,” said Joachim von Braun, professor at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, and Co-Chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel. “To benefit more from this growing sector, governments and the private sector need to facilitate innovation and address limiting factors like feed supplies in aquaculture and illegal coastal fishing.”
The report highlights that while Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector holds immense potential, realizing its full benefits requires comprehensive policy reforms, technological innovations and responsible resource management. The importance of regional and global cooperation is also important to ensure the sector’s growth is both effective and environmentally sustainable.
The panel outlined four priorities to strengthen Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. Investing in infrastructure, technology and regulations – such as hatcheries, renewable energy-powered processing and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture – will drive growth, while stricter enforcement can curb illegal fishing. Expanding support for smallholders through financial tools, mobile tech and training will boost resilience and market access.
Increased research funding, workforce development and tax incentives will also spur innovation and sustainability. Finally, harmonized regulations, standardized certification and streamlined trade procedures will enhance regional cooperation and expand markets.
“This report illustrates how forward-thinking policies can foster the innovations needed to transform the continent’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a powerful engine for economic growth, jobs and food security, while protecting the related ecologies,” said Braun.
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