In Douala, Cameroon is accelerating the transformation of its production sectors through the blue economy. The economic capital has been hosting the 10th edition of the FELS Economic Forum since June 11, 2026, dedicated to the challenges of fishing, livestock farming, and animal industries. In the same vein, Lothe Consulting Products of Sea SA launched a professionalization program for artisanal and semi-industrial fishing at the Youpwé landing site, in the presence of the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries.
In Douala, Cameroon reaffirmed its ambition to make the blue economy a strategic driver of growth and economic attractiveness. On June 11 and 12, 2026, the economic capital hosted the 10th edition of the FELS Economic Forum, organized around the theme: « Cameroon, a major economic asset in the CEMAC sub-region. » Public decision-makers, investors, experts, and economic operators gathered to examine the development prospects of the livestock, fishing, and animal processing sectors.
“What we are doing this morning is of strategic and operational importance. Perhaps some do not yet fully grasp the scope of what we are doing, but we have found the necessary foothold. I believe that artisanal fishing and its professionalization have found their anchor through your project. Thank you and congratulations.”
Dr. Taïga , Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries – Cameroon
At the heart of the discussions were the modernization of value chains, job creation, and the strengthening of local production. The blue economy, which contributes 5.8% to the national GDP and represents nearly 3% of jobs, appears to be a sector with strong potential. Based on the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and inland waters, it generates ecosystem services estimated at over 22.6 trillion FCFA in Cameroon, according to the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). For the project’s promoter, this initiative aims to sustainably transform the sector’s practices by offering fishermen better technical and professional support.
“Our role is to give Cameroonian fishermen the necessary tools, to train them, and to offer them a new profession, a new perspective, in order to reverse the trend of overfishing and harvesting. This is the project that is being inaugurated today in its entirety.”
Louis Deschamps Elessa Lothin-Sen , Promoter of Lothe Consulting Products of Sea SA – Cameroon
Despite these advantages, the fisheries sector continues to face several challenges. Cameroonian shrimp exports remain limited to a few hundred tons per year, according to available data. Faced with this situation, industry professionals are advocating for a better structured value chain to improve the sector’s competitiveness and increase local processing of fishery products.
“This is of vital importance to the fishing industry as a whole, as it allows for the professionalization of stakeholders and gives this company the capacity to exploit, in a structured way, the vast potential of artisanal fishing in our country. This will contribute to improving production, supporting public policies in this sector, and also strengthening the social impact, particularly by promoting youth employment in this field. For us, this is therefore a very important launch.”
Guy Irene Mimbang , Advisor No. 1 at MINEPIA – Cameroon
One of the forum’s highlights was the launch, at the Youpwé landing stage, of the professionalization program for artisanal and semi-industrial fishing harvesting and collection, led by Lothe Consulting Products of Sea SA. This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of stakeholders in the sector and improve production practices. Supported by the government, it illustrates Cameroon’s commitment to making fishing a sustainable driver of growth, employment, and competitiveness within the CEMAC sub-region.
source : africa24tv
