Somalia, Abu Dhabi Ports Group forge partnership to revitalise fisheries industry 

SOMALIA – The Somali Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, marking a transformative step for Somalia’s fishing and port sectors. 

The agreement aims to develop critical infrastructure, establish fishing ports, create marine monitoring stations, and launch a state-of-the-art training centre to enhance fishing skills nationwide.  

Speaking on the partnership, Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, emphasised the group’s commitment to fostering Somalia’s economic growth. 

“We aim to explore opportunities to support Somalia by establishing investment and cooperation plans,” he stated, signalling a collaborative approach to expanding Somalia’s maritime services and fishing industry.  

Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to transform coastal communities. 

The partnership, he noted, would generate employment, promote sustainable practices, and unlock Somalia’s vast blue economy potential.  

Somalia’s expansive maritime territory, covering nearly one million square kilometres and extending 200 nautical miles offshore, remains underutilised. 

Despite the capacity to sustainably harvest over 200,000 metric tons of fish annually, the nation’s current output is far below its potential. 

Artisanal fishermen accounted for only 6,000 metric tons in 2022, while foreign industrial vessels harvested an estimated 13,000 metric tons, often underreported.  

Somalia seeks to grow its fisheries sector by providing training and equipment to fishermen, improving infrastructure, enforcing regulations to protect marine resources and attracting foreign investments to create jobs, improve the rural economy, and create sustainable export earnings. 

This MoU underscores Somalia’s determination to capitalise on its marine resources. The Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy has implemented key reforms, including the Somali Fisheries Law and establishing an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

These measures aim to regulate fishing activities, protect marine ecosystems, and attract foreign investment.  

Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s involvement adds momentum to Somalia’s ambitions. With successful expansions into other African markets such as Egypt, Angola, and Tanzania, the group brings expertise in port development and logistics. 

Their collaboration with Somalia could unlock opportunities in fisheries licensing, deep-sea fishing, cold storage, and marine resource processing.  

The Somali government’s commitment to the blue economy aligns with broader African Union goals, heralding a new era for the continent’s marine sector.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.