In Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, experts in fisheries and aquaculture from across Africa among whom were Directors of fisheries and aquaculture, Regional Fisheries Bodies, Water Basin Commissions, Non State Actors, Private sector, Women, members of African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) Working Groups gathered to develop a model for enhancing Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa.
The Expert Consultative Meeting (Workshop) to Develop Innovative PPP Models to Promote Improved Management and Sustainability in Fisheries and Aquaculture took place from 10th to 12th of December, 2015 at the Hotel Franco in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The workshop was organized by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in collaboration with the NEPAD Agency and with support from the European Union.
The event provided a platform for reputable experts for formulation of model for enhancing PPP in fisheries and aquaculture in Africa; identify the role of the private sector, their challenges and opportunities in the implementation of PPP processes in the Fisheries and Aquaculture; and identify policy interventions areas including capacity development, infrastructural strengthening and incentives for investment in the sector.
The Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) endorsed by Summit of African Heads of States and Governments as blue prints for African fisheries and aquaculture development noted the potential roles of PPPs in capture fisheries and aquaculture.
In line with the above Dr. Simplice Nouala who represented the Director AU-IBAR/ Chief of Mission, Prof. Ahmed A. Elsawalhy said at the opening ceremony of the event that “AU-IBAR is promoting creation of an enabling environment to strengthen institutional capacity and regulatory framework for fisheries and aquaculture development driven by vibrant and functional PPP arrangements in this sector. The rationale for these considerations are focused and aimed at strengthening capacity for sustainable aquaculture development and improving management of the small-scale fisheries for increased sustainable contributions to livelihoods, food and nutrition security, social-welfare and wealth creation.”
n of the Participants in a Session on Issues in PPP in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa Delivered by Dr. Mohamed Seisay (Snr Fisheries Officer AU-IBAR).The major objective of the meeting was therefore to develop an appropriate innovative PPP Models to promote improved fisheries management in fisheries and aquaculture and form PPP development a central feature of strategies and actions for fisheries reform development in AU MS.
Other specific objectives included:
- Carry out a situational analysis on current roles of the public and private sectors in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (challenges, opportunities best practices, lessons learnt etc).
- Review and discuss the concept of private/public goods in relation to public/private sector engagement in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in view of the development challenges in Africa.
- Identify principles and options for the design and implementation of successful aquaculture and fisheries PPPs in Africa.
- Identify policies, institutional and capacity priority interventions to strengthen PPPs in fisheries and aquaculture in Africa.
The main outcome of the consultative meeting was formulation of draft document on "A GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING PPP MODELS IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE". The document, when finalized, would serve as a framework for appropriate adaptation by AU member states and regional institutions in enhancing PPP in their fisheries and aquaculture systems.