Federal Government Pledges Greater Support for Fisheries Sector to Drive Economic Growth

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has pledged to support local fishing businesses and ease barriers to exports as part of efforts to increase domestic production and unlock the economic potential of the country’s largely underdeveloped fisheries sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama reaffirmed the government’s commitment during a visit to Marina Seafood and its fishing vessel, Maanya Mooya, at Mogadishu port on Thursday, as the country marks Somali National Fisheries Week.

Accompanied by Fisheries and Blue Economy Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan, Jama inspected the vessel and praised Somali entrepreneurs investing in the fishing industry and seeking opportunities to export the country’s marine resources.

He said the government was committed to encouraging private investment and facilitating trade, with particular attention to businesses involved in exports.

The delegation was received at Mogadishu port by deputy port managers Dr. Ali Haji and Engineer Ismail Aw Muse.

Somalia has one of Africa’s longest coastlines, stretching more than 3,300 kilometres along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. Despite its considerable marine resources, the country’s fishing industry remains constrained by limited infrastructure, inadequate cold-storage facilities and challenges accessing international markets.

The government has increasingly identified fisheries as a potential source of employment, export earnings and economic growth, particularly for coastal communities that depend on fishing for their livelihoods.

The visit comes as Somali National Fisheries Week brings renewed attention to the role of private investment, modern fishing equipment and improved market access in developing the country’s blue economy.