The Complexe Hôtelier de la Sablière (formerly Maïsha), served as the setting, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for the workshop to return the deliverables of the PROBLUE technical assistance project entitled « Towards a sustainable development of maritime fisheries in Gabon », conducted by the World Bank. Placed under the aegis of the Minister of the Sea, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Aimé Martial Massamba, in the presence of the Representative of the World Bank in Gabon, Aïssatou Diallo, this strategic meeting made it possible to present the main results of the sectoral diagnosis, to identify structuring recommendations and to engage stakeholders around the concrete modalities of its implementation.
The diagnosis highlighted a major paradox: a confirmed maritime potential, but an economic contribution below expectations. Experts advocate a paradigm shift: moving from a logic of simple regulation to integrated strategic management.
The proposed reforms concern the gradual professionalization of artisanal fishing, the revision of the system of access to resources and royalties, the modernization of development plans, as well as the complete refoundation of the national statistical system through digitization and accountability of operators.
« The report analyzed the regulatory framework as well as the data collection system. It appears that, despite a dense legal corpus and abundant resources, the sector suffers from still too administrative management, an absence of consolidated data since 2014 and insufficient structuring of value chains, limiting its role in economic diversification and the construction of a high-performance blue economy, « said Samira El Khamlichi, project team leader.
Minister Aimé Martial Massamba insisted on the urgency of a structural transformation of the sector. « Our ambition is clear: to make the fishing sector more efficient, more sustainable and more inclusive, » he said and now calls for « the rapid engagement of the proposed reforms« .
For the World Bank. « The sea fishing sector in Gabon far exceeds its economic dimension. It is at the heart of the issues of food security, job creation, enhancement of national resources and preservation of marine ecosystems, « explains Aïssatou Diallo, Resident Representative of the World Bank in Gabon.
« Our common goal is to transform this potential into concrete results for communities and marine ecosystems, » she added, reaffirming the commitment of the institution she represents alongside the Gabonese government.
The State is thus called upon to refocus its action on strategic planning, structuring investment and economic regulation, in order to increase domestic added value, strengthen food sovereignty and sustainably position Gabon as a credible player in the regional blue economy.
source : gabonactu
