A groundbreaking initiative, funded by the African Development Bank Group (ADBG), has revolutionized aquatic resource management and cross-border fish trade, impacting the lives of nearly three million people across Southern Africa. The PROFISHBLUE program has achieved remarkable results, generating over 500,000 tonnes of cross-border trade in the past four years, while fostering economic growth and resilience in 16 SADC member states. This comprehensive training and knowledge transfer initiative has empowered over 250,000 beneficiaries in seven African countries, covering a wide range of essential areas.
The training program delved into various aspects, including fish value chain management, post-harvest utilization, business development for SMEs, genetic improvement of endemic tilapia species, policy harmonization, nutrition, and blue economy investment planning. It also provided crucial support for fish stock assessments, vessel monitoring systems, and training in vessel inspection and fish catch statistics. The initiative's impact was celebrated during World Fisheries Day, where the Southern African Development Community (SADC), ADBG, and strategic partners gathered in Gaborone to showcase the project's transformative effects on fish value chains and local consumer markets since its inception in 2022.
The $9.2 million grant, funded through the African Development Bank's ADF 15, has played a pivotal role in regional integration and economic development. By enhancing fisheries governance and establishing sustainable blue economy trade corridors, the project has demonstrated its effectiveness in managing fishery resources sustainably, equitably, and resiliently, even in the face of climate change and external challenges. The initiative's success is underscored by the testimonials of women in fisheries, who shared how it has significantly improved their livelihoods, highlighting the project's inclusive development approach.
Neeraj Vij, the African Development Bank's Regional Sector Manager, emphasized the project's best practices in regional integration of blue economy trade corridors and cross-border fish trade. Vij also highlighted the global impact, noting that approximately 3 billion people rely on aquatic-sourced food, contributing $300 billion annually to the global economy. This strategic investment in fisheries governance, he argued, can create competitive value chains, providing jobs and livelihoods while eradicating extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. The African Development Bank Group has pledged to expand support for blue economy initiatives across SADC member states, with key implementing partners including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNIDO, WWF, WorldFish, and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
The initiative's success is further evidenced by the words of Hifadhi Hai, a project participant from Tanzania, and Tamala Mtambo, a fish processor from Malawi, who shared how the project has empowered them to adopt new technologies and improve their livelihoods. This initiative has not only driven economic transformation but also showcased the potential for sustainable development in the fisheries sector across Southern Africa.
