The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat convened the 8th Project Technical Committee (PTC) Meeting of the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors in the SADC Region (PROFISHBLUE Project) from May 21–22, 2026, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The meeting brought together representatives from six SADC Member States, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, alongside international partners including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World-wide Fund for Nature (WWF), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), WorldFish, and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
Opening the session, Ms. Khumo Morake-Makhaleleme of South Africa, Chairperson of the meeting, emphasized the importance of collective action to strengthen fisheries governance and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Zimbabwe’s Director for Livestock and Fisheries Production, Mr. Milton T. Makumbe, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable development and highlighted progress achieved since the project’s launch in 2022.
The PROFISHBLUE Project seeks to strengthen regional cooperation, improve fisheries governance, and develop sustainable trade corridors within the blue economy sector. Over the past four years, the initiative has delivered key milestones, including enhanced institutional capacity, cross-border trade facilitation, and the rollout of critical infrastructure such as One Stop Border Posts and Vessel Monitoring Systems.
During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed progress, validated technical outputs, and addressed challenges in implementation across member states. Discussions placed special emphasis on shaping the upcoming regional fisheries and aquaculture agenda, guided by insights and recommendations from the committee.
Ms. Ndapanda Kanime, Senior Programme Officer for Natural Resources and Wildlife at the SADC Secretariat, stressed the collective responsibility of Member States to harness the sector’s potential through effective policies, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement.
The meeting also spotlighted ongoing efforts to improve hygiene facilities, strengthen infrastructure, and facilitate trade corridors, essential components for ensuring fisheries sustainability and economic growth. Delegates emphasized the importance of long-term impact, noting that project outcomes must benefit countries well beyond the lifespan of the current initiative.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism about the future of fisheries governance in the region. The strategies discussed will inform regional policy and resource mobilization, reinforcing SADC’s commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification.
The 8th PROFISHBLUE Project Technical Committee Meeting marks a significant step forward in advancing the blue economy agenda in Southern Africa, promoting regional cooperation, sustainable resource management, and economic resilience for generations to come.
