Mogadishu, Somalia – On Monday, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially laid the foundation stone for the new headquarters of the Ministry of Fisheries in Mogadishu, marking a major milestone in Somalia’s efforts to unlock the full potential of its blue economy.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Barre emphasized the strategic importance of Somalia’s vast marine resources and described the blue economy as “the country’s future.”
He noted that the new headquarters will serve not only as an administrative center but also as a modern hub for research, innovation, and capacity building.
“This facility will empower our institutions to better manage and sustainably harness our ocean wealth. We are investing in the infrastructure and knowledge systems needed to turn our coastline into a driver of national development and food security,” said PM Barre.
The Somali coastline, which stretches over 3,300 kilometers—the longest in mainland Africa—holds significant untapped potential in fisheries, maritime trade, aquaculture, and marine biodiversity.
The new headquarters aims to strengthen institutional capacity and inter-agency coordination, paving the way for better governance of the sector.
Senior government officials, international partners, and local stakeholders attended the event, all expressing strong support for Somalia’s vision of a sustainable and prosperous marine economy.
The Ministry of Fisheries plays a central role in regulating fishing practices, monitoring coastal ecosystems, combating illegal fishing, and advancing community livelihoods along the coast. With the establishment of its new headquarters, the Ministry is expected to scale up its impact in both policy and practice.
This development comes as Somalia continues to receive technical support from international agencies to build climate resilience and sustainable marine management systems across the country.
