By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched a new $2 million project aimed at modernising Somalia’s fisheries infrastructure and boosting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The initiative, to be implemented in Mogadishu and other coastal regions, will focus on constructing new fishing facilities, boat repair centres, and modern fish markets. The project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and strengthen Somalia’s blue economy — a key sector for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Among the planned developments are a joint fisheries operations centre for the Somali government and fishing cooperatives in Mogadishu, a solar-powered fish market with large cold storage facilities, and a modern marine service centre for boat and engine maintenance. The latter will be built by Japan’s Yamaha Corporation, a company with a long history of supporting marine industries across Africa.
Japan’s Ambassador to Somalia, Matsuura Hiroshi, said the project reflects Japan’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s economic recovery through sustainable use of its marine resources.
“This initiative is part of our broader effort to strengthen Somalia’s blue economy and create meaningful employment opportunities for coastal communities,” Ambassador Matsuura said at the announcement event.
FAO officials noted that the project will also help combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing — a growing concern in Somali waters, particularly in the Gulf of Aden. By improving local fisheries management and infrastructure, authorities hope to make Somalia’s fishing industry more competitive and transparent.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the project comes at a crucial time as the Somali government accelerates efforts to expand fisheries exports. The ministry said these plans have been boosted by China’s recent removal of import tariffs on African products — a move that opens new market opportunities for Somali seafood exports.
The official launch ceremony of the project is expected to take place in November in Mogadishu, with senior officials from the Somali government, Japan, and FAO in attendance.
