By: Mohamed Sahr
In a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China, has officially launched the export of wild aquatic products from Sierra Leone to China. The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday, 11th July 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wang Qing, expressed gratitude for what he described as a historic moment the first time Sierra Leone’s wild aquatic products will be exported abroad.
“This ceremony not only marks a new chapter in China – Sierra Leone fisheries cooperation, but also vividly demonstrates the dynamic partnership and profound friendship between our two countries and peoples,” said Ambassador Wang.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, stating, “Without the personal care and strategic guidance of our two leaders, this achievement would not have been possible.”
Ambassador Wang highlighted that Sierra Leone is rich in fishery resources. In 2024 alone, the fisheries sector generated an output value exceeding $240 million and provided direct employment for more than 200,000 people.
He noted that Chinese fishing trawlers have operated in Sierra Leone for nearly 30 years in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and local agents, helping to provide essential protein to local populations.
Now, with the new certification, Sierra Leone is officially able to export wild aquatic products to China. Ambassador Wang said this is a “practical measure benefiting the livelihoods of people in both countries” and a “strategic step to diversify Sierra Leone’s exports.”
He emphasized that the initiative will enhance the entire fisheries value chain from processing and logistics to international competitiveness while creating jobs and stimulating development in local communities.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, revealed during the ceremony that all Sierra Leonean fishery products entering the Chinese market will now enjoy “zero-tariff benefits”.
“This collaboration creates a direct connection between our fish business operators and the vast Chinese market, bypassing intermediaries,” she said. “This will allow Sierra Leonean companies greater control over pricing and market strategies.”
Princess Dugba noted that on December 1, 2024, China granted zero-tariff access to products including fishery products from 33 African countries, including Sierra Leone. She urged fishing companies and entrepreneurs to seize this rare opportunity to grow their exports.
“China is one of the largest seafood markets in the world, with seafood consumption per capita reaching 35.9 kilograms in 2020. By 2030, China will account for 38% of global seafood consumption,” she added.
With a biomass of around 420,000 to 450,000 metric tons, Sierra Leone has ample fish stocks to meet export demands, the minister confirmed.
President of the Chinese Fishing Association and Managing Director of OK Global, Zhang Er Min, said the project is a “milestone” that will facilitate the sustainable export of premium local seafood to China.
He emphasized the project’s potential to stimulate related industries such as cold chain logistics, processing, storage, transport, and trade helping to build a modern and efficient fisheries value chain.
“This is not only a major step in China-Africa economic cooperation but also a vivid example of our deepening friendship,” he said, noting that CNFC (China National Fisheries Corporation) has over 40 branches across 26 countries and regions.
Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh commended the collaborative achievement, calling it a historic breakthrough for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector. He noted that since the protocol’s signing, the Ministry of Fisheries has worked diligently to align with China’s food safety laws and trade regulations.
“This entry into the international fish export market signifies Sierra Leone’s growing integration into the global economy,” Hon. Conteh said.
The launch of wild aquatic exports to China is utterly a turning point for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector. Through strategic partnerships, economic reforms, and international cooperation, Sierra Leone stands to benefit from increased revenue, employment, and visibility in the global seafood industry.