Somalia Kicks Off Fisheries Week to Attract Investment in Thriving Blue Economy

Somalia kicked off a week-long event on Wednesday to highlight its marine wealth, showing the government’s drive to bolster a dynamic blue economy.

During the opening, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized that Somalia National Fisheries Week will zero in on seizing opportunities and tackling hurdles in the fishing sector while giving hearty support to local communities.

Barre urged Somalis to band together to guard the nation’s waters, ensuring a bountiful future for the coming generations. “By nurturing sustainable methods and uplifting coastal dwellers, we secure a flourishing fate for all Somalis,” Barre declared in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

The Somali Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy noted that the nation boasts about 1,000,000 square kilometers of oceanic territory stretching 370 km from shore, yet the full economic promise of these marine assets remains untapped.

There are chances in securing fishing permits, supplying big fishing ships, and offering tech services like quality checks and food safety certifications.

He described the fisheries week as an occasion to spotlight the nation’s marine resources and hail the diligent fishers propelling coastal towns.

Barre stressed it’s time for Somalis to reap the benefits of their maritime riches, pointing out that half of the national budget could come from the fishing industry, which could dramatically revamp the economy if properly harnessed.

He urged Somali entrepreneurs to dive into the fishing sector, tapping into global markets as the government prioritizes key infrastructure upgrades, especially port and road links along Somalia’s coast.

Abdi Dirshe, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy’s director general, mentioned a strategic plan to tap into the blue economy, eyeing future self-sufficiency for the nation.

“To pinpoint opportunities in the fisheries sector, the ministry has crafted rigorous laws and policies to boost our economy by leveraging the vast blue economy resources,” Dirshe stated.