The Director General of Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Abdi Dirshe, has emphasized that the country’s vast maritime resources could generate billions of dollars annually if managed effectively. Speaking in Mogadishu, Dirshe underscored the untapped potential of Somalia’s blue economy, describing it as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
He noted that Somalia, with Africa’s longest coastline stretching over 3,300 kilometers, possesses some of the richest fishing grounds in the region. However, he warned that illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to rob the nation of millions of dollars every year, depriving local communities and the government of much-needed revenue.
“Somalia’s blue economy can transform livelihoods and strengthen our economy, but only if we protect it. Illegal fishing is not just a theft of resources—it’s a theft of opportunity from our people,” Dirshe said.
The Director General called for stronger maritime surveillance systems, transparent licensing frameworks, and closer cooperation with coastal communities to safeguard the country’s marine wealth. He added that with the right reforms and investment in monitoring technologies, Somalia could turn its waters into one of its greatest sources of economic resilience and pride.