In Benin, fishing is a key sector, dominated by artisanal and insufficient to cover national needs. In 2023, production reached 89,000 tons, while the country still depends heavily on imports. Faced with these challenges, the government is betting on aquaculture to strengthen the local supply and achieve fisheries sovereignty.
Beninese fishing is based on three main segments: artisanal maritime fishing, continental fishing (lakes and lagoons) and still marginal industrial fishing. In 2023, total production reached about 89,000 tons, dominated by artisanal fishing, which is the bulk of catches, while industrial fishing remains very low.
« This sector is now mainly composed of many small and medium-sized producers, that is to say most farms are family farms and this for the moment still needs substantial support in terms of investment to truly meet the demand in fact for fish in Benin, this demand that is still very far from being satisfied. »
Martial Kouderin, President of the National Association of Fish Farmers of Benin – Benin
This sector is a major economic and social pillar. Between 2024 and 2025, it generated more than 600,000 jobs, mobilizes nearly 15% of the working population and contributes about 8% of agricultural GDP. Fish remains an essential source of protein for Beninese households, with an estimated annual consumption of more than 200,000 tons. However, domestic production covers only about 40% of the needs, resulting in a strong dependence on imports, valued at more than 100 billion FCFA per year, which weighs on the country’s trade balance. Added to this are persistent difficulties: overexploitation of resources, rudimentary equipment, low industrialization, insufficient conservation and transformation infrastructures, as well as a lack of professionalization of actors.
So today there is a huge potential in terms of water resources, the actors are motivated, committed, there is a political will so I think that fish farming is still on a good path to growth and emergence. «
Martial Kouderin, President of the National Association of Fish Farmers of Benin – Benin
Faced with these challenges, the government is focusing on aquaculture as a strategic lever. In May 2024, it launched the Project to promote sustainable aquaculture and the competitiveness of fisheries value chains, financed up to 24.6 billion FCFA with the support of the AfDB. This five-year program aims to modernize fish farms, livening centers and food factories, while strengthening fish value chains. It provides for the annual production of 65 million free, the installation of floating cages and aquaculture villages, and the improvement of fisheries governance. The objective is to strengthen local supply, reduce imports and achieve sustainable fisheries sovereignty.
source : Africa 24
