MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Adan, held a meeting in Mogadishu with the Italian Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, to discuss strengthening cooperation in the fisheries sector and expanding opportunities for Somali fishing communities to benefit from the country’s vast marine resources.
The meeting focused on ways to increase fisheries production, improve support for Somali fishermen, and strengthen the country’s capacity to sustainably utilize its marine resources. The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation that could contribute to the development of Somalia’s wider blue economy.
Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan highlighted the importance of developing the fisheries sector as a key component of Somalia’s economic growth. He said increased production and improved access to international markets could create new employment and income opportunities for fishing communities while generating additional revenue for the national economy.
The minister also noted that Somalia’s fish exports to international markets have increased, describing the growth as an encouraging development for the country’s fisheries industry and blue economy.
Somalia has one of Africa’s longest coastlines and possesses significant marine resources, including a potentially productive fisheries sector. However, limited infrastructure, processing capacity, cold-storage facilities, technology and market access have historically constrained the sector’s development.
The Somali government is seeking to address these challenges by improving fisheries infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of local fishermen and promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
Expanding international cooperation could also help Somalia gain access to technical expertise, modern fishing and processing technologies, training programs and international markets.
The government views the fisheries and blue-economy sector as an important source of economic growth, food security, employment and foreign-exchange earnings. Increased investment in the sector could particularly benefit coastal communities that depend heavily on fishing for their livelihoods.
The discussions with the Italian ambassador are part of Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and develop its marine economy while ensuring that the country’s ocean resources are managed sustainably and provide long-term benefits to the Somali people.
