Between 2011 and 2024, fishing and aquaculture established themselves as strategic pillars of the Ivorian economy. Beyond their role in food security, these two sectors generated unprecedented social momentum, creating a total of 680,000 jobs , including 100,000 direct and 580,000 indirect jobs.

Production is on the rise, but sovereignty remains a challenge.

In thirteen years, national production of fishery products has seen notable growth, jumping from 55,864 tonnes in 2011 to 94,553 tonnes in 2024 .

However, despite this upward trend, self-sufficiency remains a major challenge. With national demand estimated at 730,000 tonnes in 2023 , local production currently covers only 15% of needs . Fish thus remains among the country's most imported commodities.

Modernization and structuring of the sector

To reverse this trend and reduce dependence on imports, the Ivorian government has implemented numerous concrete initiatives:

1. Professional structuring: Creation of the National Association of Aquaculturists (ANAQUACI).
2. Technical support: Distribution of 25 million improved fry to boost productivity.
3. Infrastructure: Modernization of production tools across the entire territory.

"Fish farming is a profession of the future, but it requires patience and passion to be profitable," says Zeregbé Yacé, technician at the Koubi station (Bélier Region).

Heading towards 2030: The ambition of the PSTACI

The future of the sector now rests on the Strategic Program for the Transformation of Aquaculture in Côte d'Ivoire (PSTACI) . This ambitious plan aims for a clear objective: to reach a production of 150,000 tonnes per year by 2030 .

According to Modibo Samaké, the program coordinator, the strategy relies on a two-pronged approach: improving technical yields and stimulating investment, both public and private, driven by the government. The ultimate goal is to guarantee Côte d'Ivoire genuine food sovereignty.