Djibouti Pushes Ambitious Aquaculture Drive to Boost Food Security and Investment

Djibouti, May 12, 2026 - Djibouti has launched an ambitious push to develop its aquaculture sector, with authorities and international partners unveiling plans aimed at transforming fish production, reducing reliance on seafood imports, and creating new economic opportunities.

The initiative was presented during a major workshop held Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel, bringing together government officials, international experts, financial institutions, training centers, and private sector operators. The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Livestock, and Marine Resources in partnership with the World Bank as part of the country’s broader economic transformation strategy under the national development agenda for 2030.

Opening the meeting, Minister Mohamed Ahmed Awaleh stressed that the objective extends beyond attracting investors, focusing instead on building a complete aquaculture value chain covering production, processing, transport, and commercialization.

The project envisions the establishment of a modern marine aquaculture system inspired by the Norwegian model, including floating fish cages across three strategic coastal zones, notably in Obock and Tadjourah. Authorities estimate that the initiative could eventually generate up to 18,000 tons of fish annually, significantly strengthening the country’s food self-sufficiency.

Plans also include the construction of specialized infrastructure such as live-fish transport vessels, automated feeding systems, a hatchery in the Red Sea region, and a fish processing plant within a free trade zone.

Officials say Djibouti possesses strong natural advantages for the sector, including an extensive coastline, favorable climatic conditions, and positive technical feasibility studies that position the country among Africa’s emerging aquaculture destinations.

However, authorities acknowledged that the sector’s success will depend on major investments in maritime infrastructure, cold-chain logistics, processing facilities, and workforce training. Participants at the workshop highlighted the importance of developing local expertise to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the industry.

The initiative builds on discussions launched during the Agribusiness Forum held in June 2025 with support from international partners including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the African Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.