Yaoundé Aquaculture Expo Highlights Cameroon’s Drive to Reduce Fish Imports

The second edition of the Cameroon Aquaculture Trade Show (SIAC) officially opened on June 2, 2026, at the Yaoundé Sports Palace. Organized by the Interprofessional Organization for the Development of Aquaculture in Cameroon (Oidac) in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (Minepia), the event will run through June 6.

This year’s theme focuses on how aquaculture development policies and strategies can support economic, social, and technological growth across Cameroon’s regions. Organizers say the week-long event will feature thematic workshops, conferences, business-to-business meetings, training sessions, exhibitions of locally produced aquaculture products, and tasting events.

According to Minepia, the trade show is designed to support government development policies, particularly the country’s import-substitution strategy in the fisheries sector. Authorities view aquaculture as a key tool to narrow the gap between domestic fish production and demand while reducing the country’s dependence on imported frozen fish.

For years, large volumes of fish imports have weighed on Cameroon’s trade balance. The government hopes stronger local aquaculture production can help reverse that trend and improve food security.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) illustrate the scale of the challenge. According to its 2025 foreign trade report, Cameroon imported 267,259 tons of frozen sea fish in 2025, up 29.1% from the previous year. The country’s spending on those imports reached CFA230.8 billion, an increase of more than CFA63 billion, or 38%, compared with 2024.

Against that backdrop, organizers see SIAC as a platform to connect industry players, showcase local expertise, and encourage investment in a sector that the government considers critical to reducing import dependence.

BRM