Angola Launches €30 Million Blue Economy Initiative to Strengthen Fisheries and Diversify Economy

Government statement reveals a new Sustainable and Strategic Blue Economy Initiative in Angola, bringing in a fresh funding package of over EUR 30 million (US$34.8 million) from the European Union. This is a key measure to support the country's expansion of the fisheries sector, with the enhancement of aquatic food systems and lessening its reliance on oil income in the long term. The programme is being carried out under the auspices of the Team Europe Initiative by a consortium headed by FIAP, with the participation of Camões, the Institute for Cooperation and Language, and Expertise France.

It aims to boost the growth of the blue economy in Angola by supporting sustainable management and governance of the marine resources, modernization of the fisheries sector, and development of industries leveraging the sea for food production and trade. The programme is in line with the Government's overall strategy on economic diversification. This focuses on enhancing non-oil growth areas for employment opportunities, exports, and enduring food security, government sources said.

The global aquafeed and aquaculture additive market size accounted for USD 78.40 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 83.73 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 150.17 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.80% from 2026 to 2035. The market growth is attributed to increasing global seafood consumption, expanding commercial aquaculture production, and rising adoption of functional and sustainable feed technologies.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Become Key Economic Priorities

One of the key efforts of the initiative is the development and enhancement of fisheries value chains. This involves advancing marine governance, seafood processing facilities, cold chain operations, and responsible resource management systems. The programme is envisaged to increase the productivity and efficiency of fisheries in Angola. They also provide new opportunities for expansion of fisheries along with the growth of the fishery product supply sector, such as aquaculture.

The scheme is likely to make a substantial contribution to the future potential for aquaculture in Angola, especially in the face of increased demand for sustainable aquatic proteins in the African and international markets, industry experts say. The increased production will also present more feed ingredients, hatchery and processing plants, and transport infrastructure needs.

Blue Economy Strategy Supports Food Security and Export Growth

The strategic launch is part of a trend happening across Africa regarding the implementation of blue economy approaches with the aim of increasing export volume diversification. This enhances food security and attracts investment in the marine industry. With the increasing demand of the human population for fishery and aquaculture products. The fisheries sector is increasingly marketed as a key part of an agricultural and industrial policy agenda for sustainability and increased protein production. Furthermore, the programme has the potential to increase Angola's competitiveness in the newly emerging African blue economy and promote economic diversification beyond hydrocarbons if introduced and successfully implemented.