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Somalia is working hard to reform its fisheries sector as China scraps tariffs on African goods, a move that could open major opportunities for Somali seafood exports. Officials in Mogadishu believe this policy change has the potential to transform the industry, but only if the country strengthens its weak infrastructure and enforces international standards.
Nor Daud Ibrahim, a fisheries officer with the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, said China’s tariff decision could be a game-changer. However, he stressed that Somalia must first improve seafood quality, meet safety and traceability requirements, and create conditions that attract both local and foreign investors. He noted that Somalia’s artisanal fishing fleet still struggles with rough seas, climate change, and a lack of modern facilities such as ports, cold storage, and shipping systems. Without these upgrades, Somalia cannot supply large volumes of high-quality seafood to global markets.
To address these problems, Somalia has started seeking investment partnerships. In October 2024, the government signed a deal with Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group to modernize fisheries infrastructure. This agreement includes developing fishing ports, building seafood processing facilities, and creating a maritime monitoring center to track fishing activities. It also includes vocational training to build skills among the fisheries workforce. Earlier this year, Somalia signed another agreement with Türkiye’s OYAK Group to boost fisheries infrastructure, strengthen seafood exports, and support efforts against illegal and unregulated fishing.
These initiatives are timely, as Somalia continues to face huge financial losses from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in its waters. According to a January 2025 report by ENACT Africa, the country loses around $300 million every year, much of it due to unlicensed tuna fishing. This makes investment in monitoring and enforcement critical.
Licensing foreign vessels has also been a sensitive issue. In March 2024, Somalia issued 19 offshore permits to Chinese tuna longliners as part of a World Bank-supported program to regulate the sector. This was the first significant licensing move since 2018, when a similar deal with Chinese vessels sparked public debate over transparency. While licensing aims to bring order to the sector, concerns about fair revenue sharing and sustainability remain.
Another challenge Somalia faces in accessing the Chinese market is compliance with China’s strict food import rules. Exporters must register their processing facilities, set up traceability systems, and use packaging that includes registration numbers issued by Chinese authorities. Any failure to meet these requirements could cost Somalia its market access, even with tariffs removed.
To guide reforms, Somalia launched its National Blue Economy Strategy (2023–2027), which focuses on sustainable use of marine resources. The World Bank’s “Badmaal” project is also funding fisheries monitoring centers and helping to build regulatory systems so Somalia can enforce standards and attract more investment. In addition, the Ministry of Fisheries has been promoting Somali seafood internationally, including at the Blue Economy Forum held in July, where officials highlighted the country’s vast coastline and fishing potential.
Despite the obstacles, officials remain hopeful. Somalia has a coastline of more than 3,300 kilometers, one of the longest in Africa, and some of the richest fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean. With continued reforms, investment, and stronger monitoring, the country could turn its fisheries into a major source of economic growth.
China’s decision to scrap tariffs on African goods reflects its growing role as the continent’s main trading partner. By opening its market to 53 African countries, Beijing is deepening its economic influence, outpacing traditional partners like the United States and the European Union. For Somalia, this policy shift could provide a rare opportunity to expand seafood exports, strengthen its economy, and reduce reliance on foreign aid.
As Nor Daud Ibrahim put it, Somalia is well-positioned to benefit from this opening, but only if it continues with reforms and builds the right systems. If successful, the fisheries sector could become an engine of growth, helping Somalia turn its natural resources into long-term prosperity.