By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, October 6, 2025: In a landmark move to deepen bilateral ties and promote sustainable development, the High Commission of India in Freetown hosted the India–Sierra Leone Roundtable on Aquaculture and Fisheries at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station. The event brought together government officials, scientists, entrepreneurs, and international stakeholders to explore collaborative strategies for strengthening Sierra Leone’s blue economy.
India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, B.C. Pradhan, opened the forum by highlighting the culmination of six months of coordinated efforts with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. He emphasized India’s transformation from famine to global agricultural leadership, noting its current position as the world’s second-largest aquaculture producer.
“Capacity building remains central to our cooperation,” Pradhan stated, referencing the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which offers training opportunities for Sierra Leonean professionals. He also announced that 37 Sierra Leonean students are currently studying in India on fully funded scholarships, with more expected next year.
Pradhan underscored aquaculture’s potential to complement Sierra Leone’s marine fisheries, offering scalable solutions for food security, employment, and economic growth. He affirmed India’s commitment to sharing expertise in training, research, and institutional collaboration, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone agenda and Big Five Game Changers.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, welcomed the partnership, stressing the urgency of expanding aquaculture to offset declining marine yields. She revealed that the country’s marine fisheries, once yielding 500,000 metric tons annually, now produce an estimated 250,000 metric tons. Dugba projected that with modern aquaculture practices, the sector could generate over $59 million annually—up from the current $6.5–$10 million.
The Minister outlined priorities including freshwater aquaculture in inland valley swamps and mariculture involving oysters, shrimp, seaweed, and commercial marine species. She encouraged Indian private-sector investment in joint ventures and value-added processing, such as ice-making and blast freezing facilities.
Dr. Joykrushna Jena of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) emphasized India’s success in aquaculture, driven by research, breeding technology, and private-sector engagement. He noted India’s annual fish production of 19.5 million tons and its extensive network of 113 research institutes and 78 agricultural universities, including 30 that specialize in fisheries.
Jena assured that India’s innovations in food safety, gender inclusion, and sustainability could be adapted to Sierra Leone’s needs, helping build a modern and inclusive aquaculture industry.
Sheku Sei, Director at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Fisheries, described the country’s rich marine biodiversity and identified opportunities in expanding inland aquaculture and mariculture. He highlighted successful pilot projects in mangrove areas and the economic viability of smallholder and large-scale fish farming.
“With Indian expertise and investment, we can accelerate aquaculture growth, protect our marine environment, and improve food security,” Sei concluded.
The roundtable ended with both nations pledging to strengthen cooperation in research, training, and private investment, the foundation for a resilient aquaculture sector that supports Sierra Leone’s national development goals.