Guinean Ministry of Fisheries to digitize services, to receive support from UK firm
GUINEA – Fatima Camara, Guinea’s Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, has recently met with executives from Karity & Co Holding, a UK-based company specializing in financial structuring and digital service implementation.
The meeting focused on the digital transformation of the ministry’s services, set to begin in January 2025 and span one year.
The Minister stated that the partnership with Karity & Co Holding will enhance the management of fisheries resources, streamline the traceability of products, and improve transparency in the sector.
“This collaboration will allow us to secure better control over our maritime resources, supporting sustainable management practices,” Camara added.
This latest engagement follows an October meeting, where the British firm showcased a prototype of the digital platform tailored to the ministry’s needs.
The initiative is aligned with the Guinean government’s broader strategy to modernize public services, aiming to boost efficiency and transparency in state operations.
This is meant to boost the fish industry.
In 2023, the fisheries sector in Guinea included 95 industrial fishing vessels and over 8,100 smaller boats, contributing to approximately 395,000 jobs, both direct and indirect.
The country’s annual fisheries production reached 336,050 tonnes, according to World Bank data from 2022.
Camara emphasized that the digital system would streamline the management of licenses, ensuring better tracking from application to document issuance.
It will also enhance revenue security and reduce administrative inefficiency, a key objective of the government.
Furthermore, the system will help combat corruption, a critical issue for the current administration.
Training for ministry staff and key stakeholders in the fishing industry will be crucial for a successful digital transition, the Minister pointed out.
Guinea’s total fisheries output in 2021 was approximately 326,270 tonnes, encompassing both wild capture and aquaculture.
Aquaculture contributed just 1,150 tonnes, accounting for a minimal share of the overall production.
In terms of international trade, Guinea exported US$73 million in fish products in 2022, with half of these exports directed to South Korea.
The country also imported US$7.7 million worth of aquatic products in 2021.
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