AfDB Lauds Progress of PROFISHBLUE Project in Botswana
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has concluded a successful supervision mission in Botswana, focusing on the PROFISHBLUE project, a regional initiative promoting sustainable fisheries management and blue economy development within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The mission, led by Mr Neeraj Nij, Regional Sector Manager for the Southern Africa Business Delivery Office, included a debriefing session with Ms Angele Makombo N’Tumba, Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration (DES-RI) of SADC.
The visit coincided with World Fisheries Day celebrations on 21 November 2025 and showcased the project’s achievements, which have benefitted over three million consumers and value chain stakeholders.
The SADC Secretariat stressed the importance of a timely extension of the project to ensure a smooth transition into a new initiative, supported by over $5 million in co-financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The extension is seen as crucial for completing key activities under Component 3 and is awaiting CEO approval. AfDB also outlined plans to develop a large regional programme targeting five fisheries market clusters, aiming to strengthen intra-regional trade and sustainable economic growth.
Ms N’Tumba welcomed the feedback and assured the delegation of SADC’s commitment to fast-track the extension request. She highlighted that project continuity is essential for consolidating achievements, promoting sustainability, and fostering regional partnerships to transform the fisheries and blue economy sectors across Southern Africa.
Launched in 2022, the PROFISHBLUE project aims to improve sustainable management and utilisation of fisheries resources under the blue growth framework. Its objectives include enhancing food security, reducing poverty through employment, facilitating intra-regional trade, and strengthening the resilience of fish value chains and communities against climate change and other external shocks.
The AfDB delegation also included Mr Ahmed Khan, Chief Fisheries Officer and Task Manager for PROFISHBLUE, and Ms Uzoamaka Joe-Nkamuke, Regional Senior Agribusiness Officer. Senior officials from SADC, including Mr Domingos Gove, Director for Agriculture, and Dr Alexander Shula Kefi, Project Coordinator for PROFISHBLUE, also participated in the mission.
