On July 25, 2025, in Yaoundé, the Hilton Hotel hosted the official launch ceremony of the Inland Aquaculture Promotion Project in Cameroon (PROFIP). Led by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this project is part of the national agro-pastoral and fisheries import-substitution strategy and aims to strengthen the country’s food security and economic sovereignty.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. TAÏGA, recalled that PROFIP stems from a clear economic diversification vision outlined in the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy (SND30). He emphasized that the project “aims to develop a sustainable, modern, and income-generating aquaculture,” particularly in the Centre, Littoral, West, and South regions, over a period of five years.

“With PROFIP, we want to drive a modern, sustainable, and income-generating aquaculture capable of meeting our country’s food needs.” the Minister highlighted.

The project is structured around five strategic areas:

– Conducting a diagnostic study of the aquaculture sector;

–  Enhancing the technical capacities of producers;

– Improving access to quality inputs;

– Optimizing the distribution channel;

–  And reinforcing the institutional support system.

Speaking on behalf of JICA, Mr. KAGEYAMA Tadashi, Resident Representative, praised the strong cooperation between Japan and Cameroon in the fields of fishing and aquaculture. This partnership has been demonstrated through numerous projects, including the construction of the Kribi Community Artisanal Fishing Center, equipment support in Youpwé (Douala), the dispatch of experts, and technical training sessions in Japan. According to him, PROFIP “completes the missing piece” of this strategic collaboration.

The project aims to tackle a major challenge: the reduction of massive fish imports. In 2024, Cameroon consumed 480,000 tonnes of fish, of which 116,000 tonnes were imported, weighing heavily on the trade balance (nearly 95 billion FCFA in imports). For the Minister, it is about “boosting local production” to meet growing demand while strengthening the country’s autonomy.

“This project fully aligns with our import-substitution policy to reduce our dependence on fish imports,” he added.

PROFIP also plans to mobilize Japanese experts, provide modern equipment, and organize technical training sessions in Japan for the benefit of Cameroonian fish farmers.

Both speeches converged on a shared conviction: the development of inland aquaculture is a key lever for inclusive growth, rural poverty reduction, and the transformation of the local economic environment.

The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the aquaculture subsector stakeholders present at the ceremony, urging them to fully engage in the project’s implementation. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continue efforts to structure the sector and make it a strategic pillar of development.

To sum up, the PROFIP launch ceremony marks a new step in strengthening cooperation between Cameroon and Japan, and above all, in the national ambition to build a performant, resilient, and competitive aquaculture.

Djuikwi Fomekong Linda Ines