Luanda, Sept. 5, 2025 (Lusa) - Angola records annual losses of up to US$500 million (€424.4 million) from illegal fishing, one of the main challenges facing the sector, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources said on Friday.
Speaking to the press, Carmen dos Santos stressed that these losses are not only due to the fishing harvest itself, but affect the entire value chain, which is beyond the control of the authorities.
The minister participated today in the opening of the 5th Economy and Market Conference on the Blue Economy, with the theme ‘Financing and Value Enhancement of the Sea Cluster,’ which analysed ‘Protection and Oversight of the Transformation of Maritime Resources.’
"(The fisherman) fishes illegally, but introduces the fish into the chain. It goes to the markets and there it is not accounted for as a product that came within the law and then the whole chain follows," said the minister, stressing that the issue concerns the Government, which is aligning its supervision.
According to the minister, despite some difficulties, the 2024 data indicate progress in the sector, with a production volume of 540,000 tonnes, compared to 521,000 tonnes in 2023.
Aquaculture produced more than 12,000 tonnes in 2024, with the province of Uíje standing out, with some relevance also for new centres in Cuanza Sul and Huambo, with salt production reaching 210,000 tonnes, with Benguela leading this segment.
Angolan businessman Adérito Areias, from the fishing and salt production sector, pointed out that salt is already being exported to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, with the opening of an opportunity for Europe in sight, with the export of organic salt produced in Angola in clay.
"I think that this year Benguela will reach very close to 500,000 tonnes of salt, without any problems," he said.
With regard to exports, the minister said in her speech that in 2024, Angola exported 22,000 tonnes (of fish), with a value of US$65 million (€55.1 million), an increase compared to 2023, when 20,000 tonnes were exported, with a value of US$60.9 million (€51.6 million).
Regarding imports, the Angolan minister pointed out that there was a reduction to 1,900 tonnes.
The Angolan Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Resources highlighted, in the chapter on infrastructure, the construction of three new fishing ports in Cabinda, Cuanza Sul and Namibe, as well as the refurbishment of the port of Luanda, with a modern fish auction market.
Regarding infringements, Carmen dos Santos said that in 2023, 169 cases were recorded, but in 2024 the number fell by 15% as a result of organisational improvements, such as increased enforcement.
"The balance sheet for 2023 and 2024 shows progress: more production, more exports, social inclusion, strengthened science, infrastructure in progress, international cooperation and environmental conservation," said the minister.
NME/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
