The Government of Tanzania and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in advancing the fisheries sector and the blue economy to enhance their contribution to economic growth, food security, employment, and the well-being of citizens across OACPS member states.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Kakurwa (MP), and the Secretary-General of the OACPS, Hon. Moussa Saleh Batraki, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Sub-Offices in Dar es Salaam on 21 July 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Kakurwa reaffirmed Tanzania's appreciation for the OACPS's continued recognition of the fisheries sector and the blue economy as strategic pillars for sustainable development. He commended the organisation for its various initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector, including the FISH4ACP programme, which has made a significant contribution to the development of Tanzania's fisheries value chain.

Minister Kakurwa underscored the importance of continued investment in the sustainable management of fisheries resources, value addition to fish and fisheries products, and the expansion of domestic and international trade. He also emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of resolutions adopted by OACPS member states to ensure tangible and measurable benefits for their citizens.

Hon. Batraki reaffirmed the OACPS's commitment to working closely with its member states to implement agreed resolutions and advance the blue economy through enhanced trade, investment, technology transfer, and capacity building. He noted that these efforts are intended to increase productivity, strengthen the fisheries sector, and improve the livelihoods of people across member states.

The meeting was also attended by Tanzania's Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Jestas Nyamanga, as well as senior officials and staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and the OACPS Secretariat.