Cameroon, Morocco aquaculture deal targets feed, production and trade growth

MOROCCO – Cameroon and Morocco have signed a new fisheries and aquaculture cooperation agreement aimed at boosting fish production, strengthening food security and expanding value chains, including aquafeed, across both countries.

The deal was signed in Meknès during the International Agriculture Show in Morocco, bringing together government officials to formalise collaboration in a sector increasingly seen as strategic for economic growth and job creation.

The agreement, signed by Zakia Driouich and Dr Taïga in the presence of Ahmed El Bouari, establishes a framework covering aquaculture development, scientific research, training, stock monitoring, seafood processing and enforcement against illegal fishing.

“This agreement today will provide the legal framework for us to continue working, because the work has already begun,” Driouich said. 

“We will strengthen cooperation in scientific research, training, control measures against illegal fishing and the marketing of fisheries products.”

Cameroon officials noted that cooperation between the two countries is already underway, with Moroccan institutions previously training Cameroonian technicians and participating in Cameroon’s aquaculture initiatives. 

The new agreement expands these efforts into a long-term programme.

Aquaculture growth tied to feed market expansion

The agreement comes as both countries face distinct but complementary market realities.

In Cameroon, fisheries contribute about 1.5-2% of GDP, yet fish consumption is high at 23-26 kg per capita annually. 

Domestic production stands at roughly 250,000-300,000 tonnes, leaving a supply gap that drives imports of more than 200,000 tonnes each year. 

Aquaculture contributes just 20,000-30,000 tonnes and is largely smallholder-based, with productivity constrained by limited access to quality feed, which can account for up to 60% of production costs.

“We have just signed a very important agreement, a technical cooperation accord that should help us share experience in training and support,” said Dr Taïga.

In contrast, Morocco’s fisheries sector contributes 2-3% of GDP, with total output exceeding 1.5 million tonnes annually and supporting more than 700,000 jobs. 

While aquaculture remains relatively small at 20,000-25,000 tonnes, it is expanding under structured, investment-driven systems supported by advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.

This gap underpins the partnership’s logic. 

Cameroon represents a high-demand, undersupplied market with strong growth potential, while Morocco offers experience in scaling aquaculture through technology, governance and feed efficiency.

Expanding fish farming is expected to increase demand for aquafeed, a critical input for improving yields and reducing reliance on imports. 

Stakeholders say strengthening feed systems, from ingredient sourcing to feed manufacturing, will be central to unlocking productivity gains and stabilising supply.

Both countries also emphasised the need for stronger monitoring systems to combat illegal fishing and protect resources, alongside plans to establish a joint commission to oversee implementation.

The agreement aligns with broader efforts to develop Africa’s blue economy, positioning aquaculture and feed systems as key drivers of growth, trade and food security.

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