The Speaker of the Jubbaland Parliament, Sheikh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman, today officially inaugurated the Jubbaland Fisheries and Blue Economy Forum, a key platform aimed at advancing the region’s fisheries sector and unlocking the vast potential of its marine resources.
The forum focused on the strategic importance of fisheries and the broader blue economy in accelerating economic development, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the sustainable utilization of marine resources across Jubbaland.
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Jubbaland Council of Ministers, the Mayor of Kismayo District, Directors General, senior government officials, and representatives from institutions and organizations engaged in the development of the fisheries and blue economy sectors.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman emphasized that fisheries remain one of Jubbaland’s most valuable natural assets and called for a well-coordinated and strategic approach to maximizing the sector’s potential.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the politicization of grants and development assistance allocated to Jubbaland by the Federal Government of Somalia. According to the Parliament speaker, such actions could negatively affect development projects and support programs currently being implemented across the state.
The forum also provided an important opportunity for government leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to discuss the key challenges facing the fisheries industry, identify emerging opportunities, and explore practical strategies for strengthening the blue economy and increasing returns from marine resources.
In recent years, the Jubbaland Government has intensified efforts to promote the sustainable development of its natural resources, with particular emphasis on the fisheries sector. The initiative reflects the administration’s broader vision of ensuring that marine resources play a significant role in economic growth, job creation, and improving livelihoods for communities across the region.
The Fisheries and Blue Economy Forum is expected to serve as a catalyst for greater collaboration and investment in the sector, reinforcing Jubbaland’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable blue economy.
