Côte d’Ivoire, EU sign updated sustainable fisheries agreement

IVORY COAST – Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union have reached a new agreement on sustainable fisheries, effective from 2024 to 2028. 

The latest version includes modifications aimed at benefiting both parties, according to officials involved in the negotiations.

The four-year deal was signed on Thursday, November 21, 2024, by Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, and Francesca Di Mauro, the EU Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire.

This agreement replaces the previous six-year partnership and introduces several changes. 

It permits 32 European fishing vessels to operate within Ivorian waters, four fewer than under the earlier arrangement. 

These vessels are allowed an annual tuna fishing quota of 6,100 tonnes, which represents an increase of 600 tonnes from the previous limit of 5,500 tonnes.

Financial terms have also been adjusted. The compensation for fish catches by European vessels has been raised to US$779,000 per year from US$735,000 under the prior agreement. 

Over the four-year duration, the EU’s total contribution to Côte d’Ivoire’s budget will amount to US$3.12 million.

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré described the agreement as a key component of the country’s efforts to enhance its fisheries sector. 

He noted that the deal aligns with the national fisheries development policy.

Fishing accounts for 0.5% of Côte d’Ivoire’s gross domestic product and provides employment to over 680,000 people. 

Data from the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources shows that in 2023, local fish production reached 92,000 tonnes.

The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between Côte d’Ivoire and the EU, first established in 2008, has been renewed every six years. 

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