AFRICAN & MIDDLE EAST NEWS

The State Department is leading the Blue Economy and Fisheries process as part of broader efforts to modernise oversight of the fast-growing sector.

In the fisheries sector, the package includes five major projects spanning algae cultivation, abalone farming and shrimp production, alongside a tuna fattening project using floating cages.

The minister stressed that the impact of FMD extends beyond animal health, affecting livestock productivity, market access and feed demand across the value chain.

The Wellcome Trust-funded TRACE project, led by KEMRI-Wellcome, will study how aflatoxins and climate change affect African child health.

The dual launch reflects a broader shift toward coordinated, innovation-led agricultural development in Africa.

The two industry groups aim to expand trade links, improve access to technology, and support food production systems across key markets.

The agreement also includes options for SALIC to acquire the remaining 19.99% stake in Olam Agri within three years, potentially giving it full ownership.

Domestic production stands at roughly 250,000-300,000 tonnes, leaving a supply gap that drives imports of more than 200,000 tonnes each year.

The sector supports around 75 million livelihoods and contributes roughly 5% to GDP, valued at about US$32 billion.

Improved traceability systems are also increasingly linked to feed system efficiency, enabling better planning of feed resources, animal movement, and supply chain coordination.