Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia is stepping up efforts to unlock the full potential of its maritime and blue economy, with the federal government urging the country’s fishing industry to adopt internationally accepted standards to access global markets.

The Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aadan, made the call in Mogadishu during a ceremony to award certificates to participants who completed a comprehensive training programme on fish quality and safety.

“We are not only issuing certificates, we are investing in the foundation of our blue economy. This training addresses the weak points in our system,” said Minister Aadan.

He noted that the training was designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of fisheries sector workers in improving fish handling, quality assurance and safety standards, in line with export requirements.

During the same event, the ministry also launched the Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS) data collection project in Mogadishu. The initiative is part of wider government efforts to modernise the sector and rely on real-time, accurate data for planning and decision-making, after years of depending mainly on estimates and projections.

Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, stretching approximately 3,330 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, yet it has not fully exploited its blue economy potential, despite strong global demand for marine resources.

Currently, the fisheries industry in Somalia contributes an estimated 1 to 3 percent of national GDP, a level officials say is far below its potential given the country’s extensive coastline and marine resources.

Minister Aadan said ongoing reforms, capacity building and data-driven initiatives are aimed at transforming the fisheries sector into a key driver of economic growth, employment and food security in Somalia.