Qatar Fund for Development signs US$5M to boost climate-resilient aquaculture in Africa

QATAR – Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a US$5 million agreement with WorldFish to strengthen climate-resilient aquaculture in Kenya and across Africa. 

The agreement, signed during the Doha Forum 2025, aligns with QFFD’s broader strategy to support food security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth in developing countries.

Following the signing of the agreement, the Climate-Resilient Aquaculture Systems for Africa (CASA) project, a five-year program co-funded by QFFD and the Gates Foundation, is now set to transform aquaculture systems across Kenya.

With a US$5 million investment, CASA will strengthen fish production, improve market access, expand financing for farmers, and boost nutrition and resilience for more than 5 million people.

A key part of the project is the expansion of GIFT tilapia. Developed by WorldFish, this fish strain grows faster and uses feed more efficiently than traditional varieties, allowing farmers to increase output while lowering costs.

In addition, CASA will provide training for farmers, value chain development, policy support, and tailored financial services to help small- and medium-sized producers expand operations and attract investment.

Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, said the partnership reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainable food systems in Africa.

“By supporting climate-resilient aquaculture, we aim to empower local communities, enhance food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities for millions of people,” he said.

WorldFish Director General Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed highlighted the sector’s growth potential.

“Africa’s aquaculture sector holds enormous untapped potential to drive food and nutrition security, livelihoods and economic growth,” he said. “This partnership enables us to scale proven solutions that can help realise that potential.”

A growing opportunity in the blue economy

The investment comes at a time when Africa’s blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, and other water-based industries, is gaining momentum. 

Côte d’Ivoire is working with WorldFish to establish a Regional Hub for Aquatic Food System Innovations for West Africa. Nigeria has already integrated blue economy targets into its national fisheries and aquaculture policy.

At the global level, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation recently recognised leaders in sustainable aquatic food systems at the World Food Forum, including WorldFish, which received Global Technical Recognition.

Despite this progress, investment remains the main barrier to growth.

The investment gap for African aquaculture is estimated at US$12 billion. Industry experts say this figure is modest compared to the potential economic returns.

Africa’s blue economy currently generates an estimated US$300 billion and supports 49 million jobs. Projections suggest this could grow to US$405 billion by 2030 and reach US$576 billion by 2063, supporting up to 78 million jobs.

This partnership underscores the growing momentum behind scalable, climate-smart aquatic food systems across Africa.

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