Shrimp value chain: Stakeholders salute strides of FISH4ACP programme.

The Representative of the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO, in Cameroon. Antonio Querido, and the Technical Adviser No.1 at the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr Guy Mimban, attended the meeting. 

The Head of the European Union Delegation in Cameroon, Veronika Bošković Pohar, and the President of PLACRECAM, Louis Martin Imoulanok, also lived the event.

FISH4ACP is an initiative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, OACPS. It is being implemented by FAO and financed by the EU and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ. 

During the meeting, participants also discuss the future development of the project. Other areas of focus also include and the transition towards more national responsibility. 

Officials explained that the programme is centered on supporting more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture value chains across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The management of the programme in Cameroon, it was said, will be handed to PLACRECAM at the end of this year. The authorities said the platform will work closely with the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries.

The transfer of ownership, it was noted, follows investments to ensure the sector continues flourishing without the direct intervention of the leadership of the EU-funded programme. Capacities, funders said, have been strengthened since the start of the project in 2021.

Enter PLACRECAM president

The President of PLACRECAM, Louis Martin Imoulanok, said giving the project local leadership is an opportunity for Cameroonian professionals in the sector to better organize themselves and grow.

“We have benefited from issues regarding transformation, governance, practices, and fishing techniques for sustainable fishing,” Imoulanok said, adding that: “We have been taught how to preserve what will remain for as long as possible for us because if we destroy it, fishing will certainly stop at some point”.

Long-lasting spinoffs

Stakeholders at the event saluted the role of FISH4ACP in strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture value chain in Cameroon and beyond.

They cited the adoption of the programme’s 10-year strategy in 2022 on sustainable fishing, improving health quality and access to lucrative markets, participatory governance and increased transparency.

It was noted that the strategy and the larger programme increased shrimp sales on high-value markets to support economic growth and improve livelihoods. 

The role of the programme in supporting the development of what speakers termed the Shrimp Fisheries Management Plan was also repeatedly mentioned.

They also referenced the role of the scheme in strengthening the Douala branch of the National Veterinary Laboratory, the backing of an observer programme.

Strides in supporting the development of the SIREN application, a digital platform designed to serve artisanal and small-scale marine fisheries professionals was also recalled.

FAO’s Antonio Querido, said: “FISH4ACP has shown what can be achieved when institutions, producers, the private sector and development partners work around a shared vision for a more sustainable and competitive value chain”.

He noted further that: “The priority now is to ensure that these achievements continue to grow through strong national leadership and partnership”.

The representative of the EU, Veronika Bošković Pohar, said through FISH4ACP, the EU is proud to support Cameroon in unlocking the full potential of its shrimp sector.

“Cameroon’s rich marine resources offer tremendous potential for sustainable economic growth, job creation and stronger coastal communities,” Pohar remarked, disclosing that: “Our ambition is clear: to ensure that Cameroon’s marine wealth benefits its people today while preserving these precious resources for future generations”. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3947 of Thursday October 22, 2026