Algeria Targets African Market for Expanding Seafood Exports

✏️ By: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | July 21st, 2024 — Algeria is set to bolster its presence in the African seafood market, aiming to diversify its export base beyond hydrocarbons and strengthen commercial ties with the continent. With its extensive Mediterranean coastline, Algeria is positioning itself as a key player in seafood exports, particularly to West Africa.

Record-Breaking Seafood Exports

In 2023, Algeria’s seafood exports exceeded $35 million, encompassing a diverse range of products such as bluefin tuna, crustaceans, cephalopods, and other processed goods. This marks a significant achievement for the fishing and seafood processing sector. The Ministry of Fishing and Maritime Resources emphasizes the considerable potential for expanding exports to African countries, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to facilitate intra-African trade.

Expansion of Processing Capabilities

Algeria currently operates 23 processing units that produce approximately 20,000 tons of processed seafood annually, primarily from tuna and sardines. Efforts are underway to explore export opportunities in African markets. The recent establishment of Algerian banks in Mauritania and Senegal is expected to further ease trade transactions and strengthen economic relations with these countries.

Advancing Shipbuilding and Aquaculture

In addition to seafood, Algeria is focused on exporting its expertise in shipbuilding. The construction of three large 35-meter fishing vessels and the initiation of nine additional boats for deep-sea fishing highlight this commitment. Last year, a private operator successfully exported two locally manufactured fishing vessels to Mauritania, signaling potential growth in West and Central Africa.

The development of aquaculture is another promising area. The successful cultivation of Tilapia, a highly sought-after species in West African countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Congo, and Nigeria, reflects this trend. The Ministry has launched a comprehensive program to stock nearly 70 reservoirs with various fish species, aiming to boost freshwater fish production and enhance export potential.

Marine Aquaculture Investments

Algeria is also investing in marine aquaculture, with plans to become a major supplier of aquaculture inputs for Africa. This includes the establishment of several fish feed production units and hatcheries for species like sea bream and sea bass. This integrated approach seeks to position Algeria as a key player in the continent’s aquaculture value chain.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Commercial Relations

On the diplomatic and commercial front, Algeria’s cooperation with African nations in the fishing sector is growing. The number of bilateral agreements has increased from six (with South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, Mauritania, Egypt, and Tunisia) to fourteen, with eight currently under negotiation. This expansion of partnerships underscores Algeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic foothold in Africa and becoming a preferred partner in the seafood sector.

Algeria’s strategic focus on the African seafood market, coupled with investments in processing, shipbuilding, and aquaculture, reflects its broader economic diversification goals and aims to solidify its position as a leading player in the continental seafood industry.

 

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