Angola launches US$33M blue economy initiative to strengthen fisheries and marine value chains

ANGOLA – Angola has launched a new Sustainable and Strategic Blue Economy Initiative backed by approximately €30 million (US$34.8 million) in funding from the European Union, as the country seeks to expand fisheries, strengthen aquatic food value chains and diversify its economy beyond oil.

The programme, implemented under the Team Europe Initiative, brings together a consortium led by FIAP alongside Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language and Expertise France.

According to officials, the initiative focuses on sustainable marine resource management, fisheries development, coastal ecosystem protection and strengthening ocean-based industries linked to food production and trade.

The programme forms part of Angola’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture and marine services.

Fisheries value chains and feed-linked aquaculture development gain focus

The initiative places strong emphasis on developing aquatic food value chains, including improvements in fisheries management, processing systems and marine resource governance.

Industry analysts say the programme could also support future growth in aquaculture production, a sector increasingly linked to demand for feed ingredients, cold-chain infrastructure and sustainable aquatic protein supply.

Portugal is leading the marine resource management component through technical support from institutions, including the Directorate-General for Maritime Policy, the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services and the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere.

A technical workshop held in Angola from March 16 to 20 brought together government officials, fisheries experts, and international development partners to define implementation priorities and operational frameworks.

Participants included representatives from Angola’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the European Union delegation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

The programme aims to address longstanding challenges affecting Angola’s fisheries sector, including overfishing risks, weak cold-chain infrastructure, limited processing capacity and climate-related pressure on marine ecosystems.

Project organisers said the initiative will support scientific research, institutional coordination and investment in sustainable marine value chains capable of improving productivity while protecting coastal ecosystems.

As African countries increasingly turn to blue economy strategies to strengthen food security and diversify exports, fisheries and aquaculture are becoming central components of long-term agricultural and feed sector development plans.

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