| Economy: A new chapter begins for Cameroon’s shrimp value chain
EU-funded FISH4ACP Programme marks the transition to national ownership after strengthening Cameroon’s shrimp value chain. 14 October 2026, Yaoundé – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its partners are holding a legacy event today to highlight the achievements of the FISH4ACP programme in upgrading Cameroon’s shrimp sector, discuss its future development and mark the transition towards more national responsibility. “FISH4ACP has shown what can be achieved when institutions, producers, the private sector and development partners work around a shared vision for a more sustainable and competitive value chain,” says Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Cameroon. “The priority now is to ensure that these achievements continue to grow through strong national leadership and partnership.” A ten-year strategy To turn that vision into action, the programme adopted a ten-year upgrading strategy in 2022 to guide its work. It aimed to keep catches stable while increasing shrimp sales on high-value markets to support economic growth and improve livelihoods. The strategy is based on three main pillars: sustainable fishing; improving health quality and access to lucrative markets; and participatory governance and increased transparency. Guided by this strategy, one of the programme’s main achievements include supporting the development of the Shrimp Fisheries Management Plan. FISH4ACP also strengthened the Douala branch of the National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET), backed an observer programme and supported the development of the SIREN app. The results have been welcomed by the European Union, programme’s primary funder together with BMZ. “Cameroon’s rich marine resources offer tremendous potential for sustainable economic growth, job creation and stronger coastal communities. Through FISH4ACP, the EU is proud to support Cameroon in unlocking the full potential of its shrimp sector, creating opportunities for local fishermen and businesses. Strengthening food security and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Our ambition is clear: to ensure that Cameroon’s marine wealth benefits its people today while preserving these precious resources for future generations,” emphasized H.E. Veronika Bošković Pohar. A milestone has been the establishment and strengthening of PLACRECAM. Created in 2021 with 30 founding members, it has participated in major stages of the programme and strengthened stakeholder capacities. Passing on the baton When FISH4ACP finishes its work at the end of 2026, PLACRECAM will take on a stronger leadership role, working closely with MINEPIA. Dr Taiga, Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, noted that “programme achievements have strengthened the performance, sustainability and competitiveness of Cameroon’s shrimp value chain”. About FISH4ACP FISH4ACP is an initiative of the OACPS, implemented by FAO and financed by the European Union and BMZ. The programme supports more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture value chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. CONTACT: Esther LEM NKENGBEZA Communications and Digital Content Assistant FAO Cameroon Esther.Nkengbeza@fao.org +237 679 249 334 FAO CAMEROON |
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