Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially launched the Badmaal Project, a $55 million Sustainable Fisheries Development initiative aimed at revitalizing Somalia’s coastal communities and fisheries sector. Led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in partnership with the World Bank, the project is part of the government’s broader development plan to enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities and boost the blue economy.

The project will benefit fishers, fish workers, and small-scale enterprises by building climate-resilient and financially viable infrastructure, including essential facilities like refrigerators and processing centers to improve fish handling and quality.

“This project addresses the critical need for proper infrastructure, which has long hindered the development of Somalia’s fisheries sector,” said Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan.

He emphasized that $32 million will be allocated to build infrastructure, solving longstanding challenges that have kept the sector from meeting international standards.

The Badmaal Project will start in Puntland in the northeast and extend to Jubaland in the south, supporting over 40,000 fishers and workers. It aims to increase sustainable fishing practices by 50% and improve value addition in processing and marketing by 30%, enhancing market access for Somali fish products.

Additionally, it will strengthen marine fisheries governance, monitoring, and management to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, which currently accounts for 30% of activities in Somali waters.

Julian, a World Bank representative, highlighted that the project will also promote sustainable management of Somalia’s marine resources, contributing to a 20% growth in the blue economy by 2030. The initiative, in line with Somalia’s 2023 Fisheries Law, will develop a Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) system and conduct fisheries stock assessments projected to cover 70% of marine resources.

The Badmaal Project is also designed to enhance resilience against climate change, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities. By providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, it aims to improve the lives of approximately 1.5 million people dependent on fisheries.

With an expected completion date of June 2030, this long-term initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic growth in Somalia’s coastal regions.

Abdi Dirshe, Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, noted that the Badmaal Project reflects a coordinated effort among federal and regional governments, with the goal of positioning the fishing industry as a key driver of Somalia’s economic future.