Mali’s government announces a US$11.1M investment in fisheries development
MALI – The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Mali announced on Wednesday, January 22, during a Council of Ministers meeting, that the country secured US$11.1 million at the third edition of Fish Days held in Bamako.
The funds are designated to finance alliances formed within the fisheries sector under a memorandum of understanding between the interprofessional fish sector organization, the National Directorate of Fisheries, and the Degraded Land Restoration Project (PRTD-Mali), supported by the World Bank.
The initiative aims to modernize the fisheries industry, expand its activities, and improve the ability of fishing communities to adapt to challenges while increasing local production.
Although the government has not detailed how the funds will be allocated to these alliances, the plan focuses on fish farming development and sustainable fisheries management to enhance resource utilization.
Data from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries shows that Mali produced 113,218 metric tons of fish in 2024, but only 9,040 metric tons, or 8%, originated from aquaculture.
The current production levels are insufficient to meet domestic consumption needs, forcing the country to rely on fish imports.
Trade Map data reveals that Mali spent over US$63.6 million on fish imports in 2023 to cover its supply gaps.
Mali’s aquaculture output in 2022 stood at 8,830 metric tons, highlighting the limited contribution of fish farming to the country’s overall fish production.
Projections suggest aquaculture production will grow to 15,200 metric tons by 2028, compared to 10,500 metric tons recorded in 2023, representing an annual increase of 5.8%.
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