Hargeisa, Somalilan — The Somaliland government is taking decisive steps to strengthen its fisheries sector, a vital source of livelihood for thousands of coastal families. During this week’s cabinet session, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ali Jama Farah, briefed the government on ongoing efforts to restore critical infrastructure and expand regional cooperation.
The minister reported significant progress in the rehabilitation of ice plants in the coastal regions of Sanaag and Awdal — facilities that are essential for preserving fish quality and sustaining local fishing economies. Once fully operational, these plants are expected to boost production capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the incomes of small-scale fishermen who rely heavily on daily catches for their livelihoods.
Beyond domestic improvements, Somaliland is also looking outward. The minister highlighted productive discussions held with a visiting delegation from Yemen’s Ministry of Fisheries. The talks focused on shared maritime challenges and potential areas of collaboration, including joint training initiatives, sustainable resource management, and regional trade in seafood products.
Officials say the engagement with Yemen represents a practical step toward fostering stability and shared economic opportunity across the Gulf of Aden — a waterway crucial to both nations’ food security and regional commerce.
The government’s renewed attention to the fisheries sector aligns with its broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond livestock and remittances. For many coastal communities in Somaliland, the revitalization of these facilities and the promise of cross-border cooperation bring renewed hope for growth, resilience, and self-reliance in an industry often overlooked yet full of untapped potential.