Benin and AfDB launch project to boost Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries

Recognizing the sector's untapped potential, the government in 2016 designated fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of economic growth.

On May 15, 2024, Benin and the African Development Bank officially launched the Project to Promote Sustainable Aquaculture and the Competitiveness of Fisheries Value Chains in Cotonou. This initiative aims to enhance the fisheries and aquaculture sector’s contribution to food security and the local economy.

Gaston Cossi Doussouhoui, Benin's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Farming, and Fisheries, expressed his delight at the project's launch, emphasizing its potential to unlock economic opportunities for the fishing community. He noted that the sector has been underutilized since Benin’s independence, limiting its growth within the broader agricultural sector. Although the sector employs around 15% of the workforce and contributes 8% to agricultural GDP, it currently meets only 40% of the national fish demand, necessitating substantial imports.

Recognizing the sector's untapped potential, the government in 2016 designated fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of economic growth. The newly launched project aims to sustainably increase production and productivity in aquaculture to address this shortfall.

With an investment of approximately 24.6 billion CFA francs, the project focuses on promoting competitive, climate-resilient fish farming. Key components include the introduction of floating cages and the development of aquaculture villages. Additionally, efforts will be made to create and sustain attractive commercial value chains to manage increased production. Governance of inland and marine fisheries will also be improved, and existing aquaculture businesses will receive support to modernize and expand their capacities. The project aims to annually produce 65 million young fish (including 40 million tilapia, 20 million claria, and 5 million other species) and 30,000 tons of fish feed.

Minister Doussouhoui extended his gratitude to the African Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility for their ongoing support. He urged beneficiaries to cooperate closely with the project to ensure its success. Robert Masumbuko, the African Development Bank’s Country Manager for Benin, praised the swift agreement process and assured comprehensive support from the Bank to ensure the project's success.

The Project to Promote Sustainable Aquaculture and the Competitiveness of Fisheries Value Chains represents a significant step towards improving food security and economic development in Benin. By fostering competitive, sustainable fish farming and strengthening the fisheries value chain, the initiative aims to transform the sector into a robust economic engine for the country.