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| Tanzania and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States have agreed to deepen collaboration in fisheries and the blue economy to boost economic growth, food security, employment and public welfare. |
Tanzania and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in developing the fisheries sector and the blue economy, in order to increase its contribution to economic growth, food security, employment and the well-being of citizens of member states.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa (MP), and the Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, held at the Sub-Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in Dar es Salaam on 21 July 2026.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Kakurwa said Tanzania values the OACPS's continued efforts to recognise the fisheries sector and the blue economy as a strategic area for development. He commended the Organisation for various programmes aimed at strengthening the sector, including the FISH4ACP programme, which has contributed to developing the fisheries value chain in the country.
Furthermore, Minister Kakurwa emphasised the importance of continued investment in the sustainable management of fishery resources, adding value to fishery products and promoting their trade both domestically and internationally. He stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of resolutions agreed upon by member states in order to deliver tangible results for citizens.
OACPS Secretary-General H.E. Batraki said the OACPS will continue to collaborate with member states to implement agreed resolutions and advance the development of the blue economy through trade, investment, technology transfer and capacity building, with the aim of increasing productivity and improving people's livelihoods.
The meeting was also attended by Tanzania's Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Jestas Nyamanga, as well as senior officials and staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and the OACPS Secretariat.
This cooperation aims to enhance the development of citizens, employment and a sustainable, productive economy with a clear direction that will align with the National Development Vision 2050, which is a cornerstone of the nation's development.