IGAD Kicks Off Regional Fisheries Forum to Boost Sustainability and Curb Illegal Fishing

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2025  (FMC) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has opened a three-day technical consultation in Addis Ababa to set up two new regional fisheries governance bodies aimed at boosting sustainability, strengthening cooperation, and tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The meeting, organised with support from the EU-funded IOC-ECOFISH Programme, marks the start of consultations on the IGAD Fisheries Forum Agency (IFFA) and the Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCS CC).

The IFFA will provide a dedicated platform for member states to coordinate fisheries and aquaculture development, while the MCS CC will focus on joint enforcement operations and technical support to protect aquatic resources.

IGAD says the two mechanisms will work together to improve fisheries governance, combat IUU fishing, strengthen maritime security, and promote value chain development across both inland and marine resources.

Delegates include senior officials from IGAD member states, regional economic communities, African Union agencies, fisheries bodies, development partners, and the private sector.

According to IGAD, the region’s annual fish production potential exceeds 3.5 million tonnes, but actual output is about one million tonnes. Most fish is sold fresh or sun-dried, with post-harvest losses high due to weak infrastructure and limited processing facilities.

The Addis Ababa forum runs until August 14, with outcomes expected to include a cost-benefit analysis of fisheries investment opportunities and a roadmap for operationalising the two new institutions.

Keynote speakers say the initiative is a step toward “sustainable fisheries development and improved regional integration” in the Greater Horn of Africa.