GUINEA – Guinea’s Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy is partnering with the UK-based firm Karity & Co Holding to digitize its operations.
The initiative, spearheaded by Minister Fatima Camara, will begin in January 2025 and mark a significant milestone in the country’s drive to modernise public services.
“This collaboration will allow us to secure better control over our maritime resources, supporting sustainable management practices,” Minister Camara stated, highlighting the critical role of digital transformation in addressing long-standing challenges such as resource traceability and transparency.
The digital overhaul, expected to last a year, includes deploying a comprehensive platform designed to streamline processes such as license issuance and fisheries management.
It also aims to curb corruption and enhance revenue security, addressing inefficiencies that have hindered sector growth.
The partnership with Karity & Co Holding continues efforts initiated in October when the firm presented a prototype of the tailored platform.
The initiative aligns with Guinea’s broader government strategy to modernise public services and improve governance, particularly in sectors vital to the economy.
The fisheries sector employs approximately 395,000 people across industrial and artisanal operations, so the stakes are high.
In 2023, the country operated 95 industrial fishing vessels and over 8,100 smaller boats, contributing to an annual production of 336,050 tonnes. Despite this output, inefficiencies and weak traceability systems have posed significant challenges.
In 2022, Guinea exported US$73 million worth of fish products, half of which went to South Korea, while imports of aquatic products amounted to US$7.7 million in 2021.
The modernisation effort aims to tap into this potential, leveraging technology to bolster the sector’s productivity and international competitiveness.
Minister Camara underscored the importance of training for ministry staff and industry stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the new system.
“Empowering our teams with the necessary skills will be crucial for the success of this initiative,” she remarked.
In related news, In June this year, Guinea’s Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, H.E. Ms. Fatima Camara, held a pivotal meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Conakry, H.E. Mr. Alexey V. Popov, to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Discussions centred on reviving the Russian-Guinean Joint Commission on Fisheries, intensifying scientific collaboration, and advancing training programs for fisheries management.
The two officials also deliberated on potential joint research initiatives in Guinea’s marine waters to bolster sustainable practices and resource management.
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