In Côte d’Ivoire, fish is the main source of protein for the population, as is the case across many West African nations. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ivorians consume an average of 25 kilograms of fish per person each year, as reported by Ecofin Agency.
This is slightly less than Senegal, where consumption averages 29 kilograms per person, but almost double the African average of 10 kilograms and higher than the global average of 20.5 kilograms.
Over the past ten years, rising population and higher incomes have boosted local demand for fresh fish. Urbanization has influenced eating habits, shifting consumer preferences toward more frequent fish consumption.
While domestic production has increased since 2014, artisanal fishing, which accounts for 75% of total catches, has not been able to satisfy growing demand.
At the same time, aquaculture remains underdeveloped despite its strong potential.
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As a consequence, imports of fresh fish have surged, particularly in urban areas such as Abidjan.
Volumes increased from about 388,000 tons in 2015 to over 732,000 tons in 2024, an increase of nearly 90%. The corresponding import value more than doubled, rising from CFA229 billion (around $411.7 million) to over CFA518 billion during the same period.
Chile has become the largest supplier of fresh fish to Côte d’Ivoire, surpassing China, with sales totaling CFA88 billion in 2024.
China exported only CFA2.6 billion worth of fresh fish to the country that year. Peru ranked third with CFA60.9 billion, followed closely by Senegal at CFA60.6 billion. Mauritania completed the top five suppliers, with exports totaling CFA52.8 billion.
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Image Credit: Freepik
