Morocco and Guinea-Bissau Boost Fisheries Cooperation

Morocco and Guinea-Bissau are seeking to deepen their bilateral ties, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in the vital sectors of fisheries and the blue economy. This initiative was underscored during a meeting in Rabat on June 30, 2026, between Zakia Driouch, Morocco's Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, and Fatoumata Djau, Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and the Diaspora.

The discussions aligned with Morocco's King Mohammed VI's vision for an African partnership based on South-South cooperation and shared development. Both ministers highlighted the strategic importance of the fisheries and blue economy sectors for their nations, emphasizing their contributions to food security, job creation, economic growth, and the sustainable management of marine resources.

To invigorate their collaboration, both parties agreed on the necessity of giving new momentum to their maritime cooperation. This includes activating a fisheries cooperation agreement signed in 2015 and scheduling the inaugural meeting of the joint commission established under that framework. Discussions also covered sustainable fisheries governance, research, combating illegal fishing, aquaculture development, and enhancing the capacity of sector professionals.

Morocco's Driouch presented the reforms undertaken within the kingdom's sustainable fisheries development strategy, detailing progress in marine resource management, infrastructure modernization, scientific research, and the digitalization of monitoring systems. Guinea-Bissau's Djau commended Morocco's pioneering experience in fisheries and expressed her country's interest in exchanging expertise and forging technical partnerships with Moroccan institutions. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering practical, mutually beneficial cooperation for the sustainable development of both nations and the African continent.