Activities

Meknes, Morocco, Thursday, April 23, 2026

A framework agreement for cooperation in the fields of marine fisheries and aquaculture was signed on Thursday in Meknes between Morocco and Cameroon, two member states of ATLAFCO, on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM), reflecting the shared will of both countries to strengthen their partnership in this strategic sector.

Signed by the Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia DRIOUICH, and the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries of the Republic of Cameroon, Dr. Taïga, in the presence of the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Ahmed EL BOUARI, the agreement aims to establish a structured and comprehensive framework for collaboration in the development, preservation and good governance of the fisheries sectors of both countries, as well as to promote bilateral economic partnerships.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. DRIOUICH stated that this cooperation framework reflects the quality of the friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries and their shared determination to consolidate a concrete and forward-looking partnership.

"It is fully in line with the South-South cooperation dynamic advocated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, based on solidarity, the sharing of expertise, and the co-construction of solutions adapted to the realities of our countries," she noted.

She further specified that this partnership is structured around priority areas such as training, scientific research, resource monitoring, the development of sustainable aquaculture, the promotion of seafood products, and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Such synergy is all the more vital, she added, as it comes in a global context marked by pressure on marine ecosystems, climate change, and food security challenges.

For his part, Dr. Taïga praised "the importance and exemplary quality of the cooperation that has linked" Rabat and Yaoundé for decades, emphasizing that this agreement opens a new chapter for the blue economy. The Cameroonian minister particularly highlighted the importance of the technical and scientific component, noting that his country could "draw inspiration from Morocco’s extensive experience in monitoring to effectively combat illegal fishing."

He also stressed the prospects offered in aquaculture, recalling actions already undertaken, including the reception of Cameroonian technicians in the Kingdom and Morocco’s participation in the first International Aquaculture Show in Cameroon, while calling for intensified cooperation.

In the face of dwindling resources, both countries thus reaffirm their commitment to responsible marine management. To this end, a joint commission will be established to ensure the monitoring and evaluation of the planned actions.

This strategic agreement therefore aims to make fisheries and aquaculture genuine drivers of development, employment, and regional integration in Africa.

Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 18th SIAM runs until April 28 under the theme "Sustainability of animal production and food sovereignty."