Strengthening local fishing

The Malagasy government, led by Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, has concluded a cooperation agreement with the company Pêche et Froid de l’Océan Indien (PFOI).

The Council of Ministers on November 27 approved this agreement, which provides for the use of two Malagasy vessels for tuna fishing in national waters, with a capacity of approximately 9,000 to 12,000 tons per year. The goal of this initiative is to strengthen local fishing, create jobs, and generate significant tax revenue, equivalent to 5 billion ariary per year (about 1 million USD/year).

At the same time, numerous development projects will be launched. These include the establishment of vocational training centers in Antsiranana, the provision of annual scholarships for ten students, and the maintenance of Secren vessels. Local fishermen will also have access to ten engines for artisanal fishing.

Since the 1990s, the Prime Minister has emphasized that Antsiranana was destined to become a fishing port that meets international standards. This agreement is a first step towards achieving this ambitious goal. The government aims to modernize the industry and reach a production of 30,000 tons in just five years.