US$25M boost for Côte d’Ivoire’s fisheries, aquaculture sectors approved

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €24.63 (approximately US$25.4) million loan to propel Côte d’Ivoire’s fisheries and aquaculture industries, a transformative step poised to elevate the nation’s blue economy and food security. 

This strategic investment aims to foster sustainable growth, enhance infrastructure, and generate opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Ivoirians.  

Set to roll out from 2025 to 2029, the initiative focuses on improving governance in marine, lagoon, and inland fisheries while advancing commercial aquaculture. 

The project also aims to address critical deficits in fish production, as Côte d’Ivoire imports over 182,000 tons of fish annually to meet local demand.  

The funding will establish essential aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure and develop a reliable system for producing high-quality fry and feed. 

Training programs targeting skill enhancement in fisheries will be integral, empowering public and private fish farms. 

Additionally, incubator programs and support for startups will encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.  

Deputy Director General for West Africa at the AfDB, Joseph Ribeiro, emphasised the project’s importance, stating, “The Bank’s involvement will improve governance, infrastructure, and skills within Côte d’Ivoire’s fisheries sector, positioning it for long-term growth and sustainability.”  

The project will prioritise the coastline, including towns such as Abidjan and Sassandra, as well as inland regions like Man and Yamoussoukro. 

These areas will see the development of participatory management plans for small-scale fishing alongside improvements in artisanal fishing methods. 

This inclusive approach is designed to directly benefit at least 700,000 people, particularly in coastal and rural communities.  

Côte d’Ivoire’s artisanal fisheries currently account for 70% of national fish production, yet local output is insufficient to meet demand.

The loan aims to increase the production of key species like tilapia, which presently stands at 7,700 tons annually, bolstering both food security and economic resilience.  

This ambitious project builds on Côte d’Ivoire’s broader partnership with the AfDB, which has committed over €3 (US$3.17) billion to development projects nationwide. 

The initiative, by transforming the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, is poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s socio-economic fabric while addressing critical food security challenges.  

According to the AfDB, the ripple effects of this investment are expected to sustain livelihoods, enhance nutritional outcomes, and strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a leader in sustainable fisheries development in West Africa.

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