Africa faces a triple burden of malnutrition driven by food insecurity, unhealthy diets and systemic inequities. Fisheries are vital for food security and employment, yet marginalised communities – including indigenous fishers – often face exclusion from tenure rights and policy-making. In Nigeria, small-scale fishers struggle with environmental degradation, tenure conflicts and weak governance. Oil pollution in the Niger Delta has devastated communities, while illegal fishing costs the country US$70 million annually. Gender disparities persist, with women fishers restricted to nearshore waters, limiting their economic opportunities. Strengthening tenure rights, enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring participatory governance can address these challenges. In Kenya and Uganda, grassroots efforts promote equitable access to fishery resources. Initiatives such as the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Projects (KCSAP) and the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) integrate resilience into fisheries, supporting small-scale producers and local markets. These efforts will enhance food and nutrition security for millions in East Africa. To promote equity in fisheries governance, policies must enhance participation of marginalised groups, including women, in decision-making, promote sustainable practices that balance production with fair distribution and address resource conflicts through better monitoring of illegal fishing and pollution. Africa’s fisheries have the potential to drive economic growth under frameworks like the Blue Economy and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA can reduce import dependency – currently at US$6 billion annually – by fostering regional trade and improving market access for small-scale fishers. Investments in infrastructure, digital monitoring and sustainable practices can help redirect billions to local economies while ensuring marginalised communities benefit. Post-harvest losses remain a major challenge, exacerbated by inadequate cold storage and poor handling. Solutions include investing in cold-chain infrastructure, improving processing techniques and providing training to fishers. Integrating indigenous knowledge – such as that in respect of seasonal closures and mangrove replanting – with modern innovations can enhance sustainability and resilience. By combining equityfocused policies with climate-smart technologies, Africa’s fisheries sector can become a powerful engine for food security, economic growth and social inclusion.
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