The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to create 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, increase access to international markets, and meet globally recognized quality standards with the introduction of advanced laboratory equipment for the fisheries sector. This marks the first major step toward modernizing the country’s fishing industry at both national and regional levels.
Delivered on August 22 in Kinshasa, the new equipment includes calibration weights, water distillers, and centrifuge tubes, enabling the DRC Standards Office to conduct precise, internationally certified fish quality tests, ensuring food safety, product traceability, and compliance with international trade standards.
“This is not just about machines; it’s about empowering national institutions to protect consumers, boost trade, and drive economic empowerment,” said Edson Mpyisi, Chief Financial Economist at the African Development Bank, during the handover ceremony.
Tanzania invests $63 Million to lead Africa’s agricultural revolution
Modernizing the fisheries sector and boosting regional competitiveness
The equipment addresses critical gaps identified by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Gap Analysis Study, which highlighted a lack of laboratory infrastructure and technical expertise in the DRC. With this upgrade, the country can guarantee high-quality fish, comply with international food safety standards, and access regional and global markets under the AfCFTA.
Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary-General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), emphasized: “Equipping the DRC Standards Office ensures that fish products meet African and international benchmarks, promoting trade integration and boosting sector competitiveness.”
The PROFISHBLUE program, covering 16 SADC countries, focuses on modernizing fisheries infrastructure, training technicians, standardizing processes, and promoting sustainable fishing. So far, the initiative has enhanced responsible resource management, food security, and intra-African trade, projecting 250,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region. This effort represents the first concrete step in transforming the DRC’s blue economy.
Fish production, challenges, and future outlook
Despite the SADC waters being home to high-value species—tuna, hake, squid, octopus, jack mackerel, shrimp, and lobster—total production remains below 3 million tons annually, just 2% of global output. Ending in December 2025, PROFISHBLUE aims to increase productivity, improve fish quality standards, and facilitate exports to international markets, strengthening Africa’s blue economy.
“This is an investment not just in technology but in people, prosperity, and Africa’s shared future,” concluded Mpyisi. The collaboration between the DRC Government, SADC, and ARSO establishes a replicable model across Africa, demonstrating that investing in fisheries infrastructure, standardizing products, and fostering regional cooperation are key to enhancing food security, boosting fish trade, and developing the continent’s blue economy.
