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Natural resources

Unlocking the Potential of the IGAD Region's Fisheries Resources

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The IGAD region boasts rich inland and marine fisheries that support livelihoods, food security, employment, and national economies. However, the region is currently underutilizing its fisheries resources, with actual output standing at around 1 million tons per year, significantly below the estimated production capacity of over 3.5 million tons. Addressing this gap requires robust collaboration and well-structured regional responses to unlock the full potential of the sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IGAD region's fisheries sector faces structural challenges, including fragmented governance, limited coordination, insufficient Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) capacity, and underdeveloped value chains, leading to IUU fishing, economic losses of 200-300 USD million annually, and post-harvest losses of 30-40 percent in some locations.
  • The sector holds significant untapped potential, with current output of 1.1 million tons per year, valued at 1.4-1.5 billion USD, potentially rising to 1.5 million tons, generating an additional 700 million-1 billion USD annually.
  • Employment, already supporting over 1.15 million people directly and 5-7 million indirectly, could expand by 150,000- 230,000 jobs, particularly benefiting women and youth in processing, trading, and services.
  • Fish already contributes up to 35 percent of animal protein intake in some communities, and improved production and value chains could enhance food security and resilience.
  • The creation of a Fisheries Forum Agency and a Regional MCS Coordination Mechanism is pivotal to harmonize policy, coordinate investments, facilitate technical cooperation, and adopt a common but differentiated approach for inland and marine fisheries, aligning with Agenda 2063, the AU Policy Framework for Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the IGAD Blue Economy Strategy.
  • Agriculture State Minister Fikru Regassa highlighted that the establishment of the IGAD Fisheries Coordination Center (IFCC) represents a significant advancement in fostering cohesive fisheries governance, enhancing regional coordination, and improving MCS systems.
  • IGAD Member States have developed and endorsed national Blue Economy Strategies, with fisheries as a top priority, emphasizing the need for collective regional action that promotes sustainability, cooperation, and innovation.

Statistics:

  • Estimated production capacity of the IGAD region's fisheries resources: over 3.5 million tons per year.
  • Current output: around 1 million tons per year.
  • Potential output: 1.5 million tons per year, generating an additional 700 million-1 billion USD annually.
  • Employment in the fisheries sector: over 1.15 million people directly and 5-7 million indirectly.
  • Potential expansion of employment: 150,000- 230,000 jobs, particularly benefiting women and youth in processing, trading, and services.
  • Contribution of fish to animal protein intake in some communities: up to 35 percent.

Sources:

  • [The Ethiopian Herald, 2025]
  • [AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com), 2025]

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