On Monday, Minister of the Sea, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, Laurence Ndong, handed over around ten pirogues, nets, and other fishing equipment to local cooperatives as part of the “Gab Pêche” project, aimed at modernizing artisanal fishing and strengthening the blue economy.
Launched under the leadership of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, this project is part of the government’s first 100 days of action. It seeks to modernize the fishing sector, which is currently marginalized and represents just 1.5% of GDP.
Through this project, the ministry aims to create numerous jobs and strengthen Gabon’s food sovereignty.
« Our ancestors lived off fish. Today, it’s a luxury. Gab Pêche restores this justice, » said Laurence Ndong.
The project relies on Gabonese expertise. The equipment provided includes pirogues ranging from 7.5 to 16 meters, built by a local SME employing 15 Gabonese workers, as well as nets and gear assembled by local artisans. The beneficiaries — registered cooperatives — receive training in business management to ensure the sustainability of their activities.
« Each pirogue, exportable within the subregion, creates jobs here, » emphasized Laurence Ndong, noting that this is not a free donation but a repayable loan valued at 10 million CFA francs per kit provided.
The loan is pre-financed by the Bank for Trade and Entrepreneurship of Gabon (BCEG) and is repayable over 18 to 24 months.
Source: gabonactu
