Cameroon, Morocco sign accord to expand fish trade, curb illegal fishing.

It was signed by Morocco’s Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, and Cameroon’s Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Taïga.

Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, witnessed the signing. 

Officials said the agreement creates a structured framework for cooperation covering the development, preservation and governance of fisheries resources in both countries. It also aims to promote bilateral economic partnerships linked to the fisheries sector.

According to authorities, the deal focuses on several priority areas, including training, scientific research, monitoring fish resources, sustainable aquaculture development, seafood processing, marketing of fisheries products and action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

“This agreement today will provide the legal framework for us to continue working, because the work has already begun. We will strengthen cooperation in scientific research, training, control measures against illegal fishing and the marketing of fisheries products,” Zakia Driouich told reporters after signing the deal.

She added that the agreement reflects the quality of relations between the two countries and their shared intention to build a practical partnership focused on future opportunities.

Morocco, which has developed expertise in fisheries management and seafood industries, is expected to share technical experience through the new cooperation framework. 

It emerged from the signing that previous exchanges have already taken place, including technical visits and the reception of Cameroonian specialists in Morocco.

The Cameroonian side said surveillance systems and technical support would be important parts of the partnership, especially in tackling illegal fishing and improving sector productivity.

“We have just signed a very important agreement, a technical cooperation accord that should help us share experience in training and support. This signature allows us to deepen that technical cooperation and continue the work already started,” Dr Taïga said.

He also highlighted earlier cooperation with Morocco’s National Agency for Aquaculture Development and said both countries had already begun practical exchanges before the formal signing.

Officials from both sides said a joint commission will be set up to monitor implementation of the agreement and assess progress on the planned actions. Such a body is expected to oversee technical programmes and future cooperation projects.

The agreement also underlines wider ambitions to turn fisheries and aquaculture into stronger drivers of development, employment and regional integration across Africa. 

This year’s SIAM was held under the theme: “Sustainability of Animal Production and Food Sovereignty”. Organisers brought together government officials, businesses and agricultural stakeholders from several countries.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3782 of Thursday May 07, 2026