AfDB, Shanghai Ocean University Sign MoU to Advance Blue Economy

News in Brief:

—The AfDB-Shanghai Ocean University agreement will provide African seafood entrepreneurs with training, research opportunities and technical support.

—Experts say the partnership could accelerate aquaculture growth, improve fisheries management and attract investment.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Shanghai Ocean University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Africa’s blue economy through training, innovation, research collaboration and technology transfer.

The partnership is expected to support seafood entrepreneurs and fisheries professionals across Africa by providing access to capacity-building programmes, scholarships, technical training and research opportunities.

Partnership Targets Modern Seafood Production

AfDB Vice President Jacques Edjangue said the agreement would help improve Africa’s approach to both aquaculture and wild fisheries management.

He explained that the partnership builds on previous collaborations between the two institutions and seeks to formalise joint efforts focused on skills development and innovation.

Edjangue highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in fisheries as areas where Africa can learn from global best practices.

Technology Could Transform African Fisheries

Officials and industry experts believe the collaboration could introduce new tools to improve seafood production and management across the continent.

The partnership may also support the establishment of fisheries innovation hubs in African countries, focusing on technology-driven solutions within the maritime industry.

Experts said improved access to research and digital tools could help address challenges such as low productivity, disease management and inefficient production systems.

Nigeria’s Aquaculture Sector Could Benefit

Osadobe Anwuzia, founder and CEO of Extrapro International Company, stated that Chinese expertise could help address some of the major challenges affecting African aquaculture.

He noted that many fish farmers struggle with expensive feed, unreliable electricity, limited access to financing and inadequate infrastructure.

According to him, investment in local feed production, hatcheries, cold storage and training could significantly improve the sector's competitiveness.

However, Anwuzia explained that many financial institutions consider aquaculture a high-risk sector, limiting access to affordable funding.

He called for government support through grants and low-interest financing, which could encourage expansion and help entrepreneurs invest in production systems.

He added that stronger financing mechanisms would allow farmers to improve operations and compete more effectively.

Africa Can Build Modern Fisheries Systems

Industry experts said Africa’s developing seafood sector presents an opportunity to adopt modern production methods from the beginning.

Luca Micciche, global portfolio manager for aquaculture at Novonesis, said partnerships with countries experienced in large-scale aquaculture could help Africa establish stronger systems.

He noted that while Asia has focused on efficiency scaling in seafood production, Africa has an opportunity to build sustainable structures that will unlock untapped market potential.

Challenges Must Be Addressed

Despite optimism around the partnership, stakeholders warned that issues such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, illegal fishing and competition from imported seafood could limit progress.

Experts stressed that the success of the agreement will depend on addressing broader governance and economic barriers affecting fisheries development.

The AfDB-Shanghai Ocean University collaboration represents another step towards strengthening Africa’s blue economy and improving the role of fisheries in food security, employment and economic growth.