A new report highlights the rapid expansion of Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, emphasizing its crucial role in economic development and food security. However, sustained growth and the ability to meet rising demand depend on significant investment and policy action.
The 15th Malabo Montpellier Panel report, FISH-FRIENDLY: Policy Innovations for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, showcases successful strategies, policy innovations, institutional progress, and programmatic interventions adopted by African nations to strengthen the sector’s contribution to food systems transformation.
According to the report, Africa leads global aquaculture expansion, with production increasing more than fivefold since 2000 to reach 2.5 million metric tons (MT) in 2022. This rapid growth is driving economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Currently, the sector provides employment for approximately 6.1 million Africans and supplies nearly 20% of the continent’s animal protein. However, with an estimated 11 million MT seafood deficit by 2030, targeted policies and investments are essential to sustain growth and prevent shortages. By 2050, Africa’s aquatic food production must increase by 74% to maintain current per capita fish consumption levels.
“Fish and other aquatic foods play an increasingly vital role in African diets and economic progress,” said Joachim von Braun, professor at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, and Co-Chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel. “To fully harness the sector’s potential, governments and the private sector must drive innovation and address key challenges, such as feed supply constraints in aquaculture and illegal coastal fishing.”
The report underscores that while Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector holds significant promise, unlocking its full potential requires comprehensive policy reforms, technological advancements, and sustainable resource management. Regional and global cooperation is also essential to ensure that growth remains effective and environmentally responsible.
The panel identifies four key priorities to strengthen Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector:
- Infrastructure, Technology & Regulation – Investing in hatcheries, renewable energy-powered processing, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture while enforcing stricter measures to combat illegal fishing.
- Support for Smallholders – Expanding financial tools, mobile technology, and training to enhance resilience and market access.
- Innovation & Sustainability – Increasing research funding, workforce development, and tax incentives to drive technological advancements.
- Regional Cooperation & Trade – Harmonizing regulations, standardizing certification, and streamlining trade processes to strengthen markets.
“This report demonstrates how forward-thinking policies can drive the innovations needed to transform Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and food security—while safeguarding marine and freshwater ecosystems,” added von Braun.
