Côte d’Ivoire, WorldFish sign landmark deal to boost aquatic food innovation in West Africa

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – The Government of Côte d’Ivoire and WorldFish have signed an Agreement in Principle to establish a Regional Hub for Aquatic Food System Innovations. 

The signing, which took place on Monday, June 2, forms part of WorldFish’s 50th anniversary celebrations and sets the stage for the creation of a world-class centre for aquatic food research and innovation in the region.

The agreement was formalised by H.E. Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, and Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish. 

It outlines a joint commitment to develop a Hub that will serve as a central platform for scientific collaboration, capacity development, and scaling of innovations aimed at transforming aquatic food systems across West Africa.

“This partnership marks a turning point for Côte d’Ivoire and the wider region,” said Minister Touré. 

“By joining forces with WorldFish, we are investing in science, innovation, and the long-term resilience of our aquatic food systems. This is about creating jobs, securing nutrition for future generations, and positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.”

As part of the agreement, Côte d’Ivoire has pledged US$3 million over the next five years and committed to providing land and infrastructure to host the Hub. 

WorldFish, in turn, will mobilise global scientific expertise and align research efforts with national and regional development priorities.

“This Regional Hub will help drive research and innovation on aquatic foods across West Africa,” said Dr Mohammed. 

“It comes at a critical moment, with science needed more than ever to improve nutrition, support livelihoods, and build resilience in the face of climate and economic shocks.”

In line with growing demand for aquatic food 

The initiative comes at a time when Africa’s aquatic food systems face unprecedented challenges. Projections indicate that to maintain current fish consumption levels, the continent must increase aquatic food production by 74% by 2050. 

The Hub will play a pivotal role in meeting this demand through advancements in sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, and value chain development.

Once operational, the Hub is expected to serve as a regional centre of excellence, helping countries across West Africa respond to the dual pressures of rising demand and environmental threats. 

Its focus will include boosting food and nutrition security, generating employment, especially in rural and coastal communities, and supporting inclusive economic growth.

Located in Côte d’Ivoire, the Hub will benefit from the country’s strategic location, robust institutional framework, and strong commitment to regional cooperation. 

The partnership with WorldFish, an international leader in aquatic food research, is expected to enhance the initiative’s reach and impact significantly.

“This agreement reflects a bold, strategic alignment between national priorities and WorldFish’s mission,” Dr Mohammed noted. “It also opens the door to new partnerships, and we warmly invite development partners to join us in this journey of transformation.”

A formal Hosting Agreement is expected to be developed later this year, paving the way for construction and operational rollout. 

For Côte d’Ivoire and the broader West African region, the initiative represents a transformative step toward a more resilient and food-secure future.

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