Ivory Coast to invest US$25.6M in aquaculture to boost fish production

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire is launching a US$25.6 million initiative to expand its aquaculture sector over the next five years, aiming to meet the country’s growing demand for fish.

The project, known as the “Project for the Development of Competitive Value Chains in Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries” (ProDeCAP), was announced in late 2024 and will run from 2025 to 2030. 

Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), ProDeCAP is designed to improve fisheries management and increase aquaculture production.

During a Council of Ministers meeting on February 12, the government outlined key focus areas, including enhancing marine, lagoon, and inland fisheries. 

Plans include increasing broodstock capacity, establishing hatcheries, expanding commercial fry production, and formulating high-quality fish feed. 

Once fully operational, ProDeCAP is expected to increase annual aquaculture production by 35,000 tons, significantly strengthening the nation’s fish supply.

Beyond production gains, the initiative is expected to have a broad socio-economic impact. Authorities estimate that approximately 700,000 people will benefit from the project, with women making up half of the beneficiaries.

Around 50,000 individuals will be directly involved in aquaculture, while the remainder will participate in fisheries-related activities.

ProDeCAP builds upon Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing efforts to boost domestic fish production. In 2022, the government introduced the Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture (PSTACI), which aims to raise annual fish production to 500,000 tons by 2030. 

This program focuses on improving aquaculture practices, advancing research and training, and developing water bodies into economic zones for sustainable fish farming. 

Additional policies to support the blue economy

Additionally, the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources is implementing the National Policy for the Development of Livestock, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (PONADEPA). 

This program, running through 2026, aims to increase total fisheries and aquaculture production to 280,000 tons annually—meeting 65% of local consumption needs.

Despite these initiatives, Côte d’Ivoire’s fish production remains insufficient to meet demand. 

According to World Bank data, the country produced just 106,143 tons of fish in 2022. According to Trade Map data, Côte d’Ivoire imported over US$840.7 million of fishery products in 2023 to bridge this gap. 

With national fish consumption estimated at 650,000 tons annually, imports remain essential to meet domestic needs.

While seafood production has grown over the past decade, local output remains limited. In 2019, production reached 105,219 metric tons, a 60% increase over ten years. 

Artisanal fishing continues to dominate, accounting for 75% of total catches, while industrial fishing contributes 20%. 

Although aquaculture has expanded by 70% over the past decade, it still represents only a small portion of the country’s fish output. Commonly farmed species include tilapia, catfish, and African arowana, which help supplement wild-caught fish.

Côte d’Ivoire does export some seafood, but overall, it remains a net importer due to persistent production shortfalls. 

With ProDeCAP and other government initiatives in place, authorities hope to reduce reliance on imports and build a more self-sufficient aquaculture sector in the years ahead.

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