WorldFish
The Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and WorldFish today signed the Host Country Agreement that will establish WorldFish’s regional innovation hub for West Africa.
The agreement marks a major step forward in a partnership that began when Ivorian officials first visited WorldFish headquarters in January 2023.
Under the Host Country Agreement, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire will provide USD 3 million and dedicated office and research infrastructure in Abidjan, Loka, Jacqueville and Mopoyem.
These investments will anchor the new hub and support scientific collaboration, capacity building and innovation to strengthen aquatic food systems across the region.
Côte d’Ivoire currently imports close to USD 1 billion of fish annually. By partnering with WorldFish, the government aims to boost domestic production, reduce its import bill and create new opportunities for jobs, nutrition and climate resilience.
Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish, said the agreement signals a decisive moment for regional cooperation.
“Côte d’Ivoire is putting real commitment behind a shared vision for science, innovation and impact across West Africa. This hub will accelerate research and strengthen local capacity so countries can produce more of their own aquatic foods and open up new paths to prosperity in the communities and markets that rely on this sector.”
H.E. Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries of Côte d’Ivoire, said the agreement marks an important step for Côte d’Ivoire and the wider West African region.
“The establishment of the WorldFish Regional Office in Côte d’Ivoire is a major strategic choice, making our country a hub for coordinating regional research programs, a space for supporting public policies, and a catalyst for innovation to assist countries in their transition to sustainable, high-performing, and competitive aquaculture.”
The hub will connect WorldFish’s global scientific network with partners across West Africa, supporting broader efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security, drive innovation and build resilient aquatic food systems across the region.
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