The aquaculture sector in Burkina Faso has taken a significant step forward with the validation of key strategic documents designed to shape the industry’s sustainable growth. Stakeholders in Ouagadougou recently endorsed a comprehensive diagnostic report, an investment pathway, and an operational guide, all tailored to guide public policies and private investments in aquaculture.

National and regional initiatives driving change

The development of these resources aligns with the broader Sahel RESILAND program, which focuses on enhancing the resilience of Sahelian landscapes and the communities dependent on them. This initiative prioritizes sustainable land and water resource management, ecosystem restoration, and economic diversification in rural areas. Its ultimate goal is to create jobs and improve living conditions for local populations.

A critical component of this framework is knowledge-sharing, which informs policy decisions, shapes future interventions, and promotes solutions tailored to local realities. The Africa Sustainable Aquaculture initiative, spanning several Sahelian countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad, plays a pivotal role. Its mission is to conduct in-depth national assessments and define coherent investment trajectories for sustainable aquaculture development.

Identifying opportunities and addressing challenges

The newly developed documents provide an updated overview of Burkina Faso’s aquaculture sector, highlighting both its potential and structural constraints. They also outline a strategic investment pathway that identifies key priorities, financing needs, and implementation mechanisms. Additionally, a practical guide has been created to support public and private project leaders in their initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Issiaka Zouri, Study Officer at the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Animal and Fisheries Resources, commended the collective efforts behind these results. He emphasized the alignment of this approach with national ambitions to develop animal and fisheries production, as outlined in the Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive.

Zouri highlighted Burkina Faso’s substantial advantages, including significant water resources and untapped fisheries potential. He noted that implementing the guidelines from these documents will help further structure the sector, boost domestic fish production, enhance food and nutritional security, and create new economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women.