Mozambique is emerging as a leader in climate-smart fisheries, combining sustainable fishing practices, ecosystem restoration, and stronger value chains to improve coastal livelihoods while building a more resilient blue economy. With more than 2,700 kilometres of coastline along the Indian Ocean, the fisheries sector remains a critical source of food security, employment, and export earnings for millions of Mozambicans.
For generations, fishing has sustained coastal communities and provided livelihoods for countless households. Today, however, climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation, and illegal fishing activities are placing increasing pressure on the sector. Rising sea temperatures, stronger cyclones, coastal erosion, and shifting fish migration patterns are threatening both marine resources and the communities that depend on them.
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In response, Mozambique has embraced a climate-smart fisheries model that integrates sustainable resource management, ecosystem protection, improved governance, and economic diversification. The objective is not only to safeguard marine ecosystems but also to help fishing communities adapt to climate-related challenges while maintaining stable and sustainable incomes.
One of the country’s most significant recent achievements has been the expansion of community-based fisheries management. In 2024, Mozambique signed a landmark Fisheries Co-management Agreement that strengthened collaboration between local fishing communities and government institutions. The initiative has increased the involvement of local fishers in decision-making processes, encouraging greater accountability and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources.
At the same time, the government and its development partners have intensified efforts to strengthen fisheries value chains. Through programmes implemented in coastal districts such as Machanga and Moma, fishing communities have received equipment, technical training, and support to improve fish processing, storage, and market access. More than 543 households have reportedly benefited from these interventions, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for small-scale fishers and processors, many of whom are women.
A key pillar of Mozambique’s strategy is the promotion of alternative livelihoods. Coastal residents are increasingly being trained in ecotourism, hospitality, aquaculture, and small business development. These opportunities reduce dependence on fishing while creating additional sources of income, particularly for women and young people. Projects supported by international development partners have demonstrated how livelihood diversification can strengthen household resilience while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems.
Mozambique is also investing in ecosystem restoration as part of its long-term sustainability agenda. Community-led mangrove rehabilitation projects are helping protect shorelines from erosion, improve fish breeding habitats, and enhance carbon sequestration. These initiatives support climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation while strengthening the foundations of sustainable fisheries production.
Recent developments in 2025 and 2026 further demonstrate the country’s commitment to building a sustainable blue economy. New fisheries monitoring and surveillance programmes, launched with support from international partners, are helping combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. For years, IUU fishing has cost Mozambique millions of dollars in lost revenue and depleted valuable marine resources. Improved monitoring systems are expected to strengthen governance, protect fish stocks, and enhance long-term sustainability.
The government has also established an ambitious fish production target of more than 549,000 tonnes for the 2026 fishing season. Supported by investments in aquaculture and sustainable small-scale fisheries, the initiative seeks to increase production while ensuring that marine resources remain available for future generations.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Climate change continues to affect fish stocks and coastal ecosystems, while illegal fishing and infrastructure deficits constrain growth. In 2025, seafood exports declined due to market restrictions and climate-related impacts on production, highlighting the need for continued investment in resilience, value addition, and market diversification.
Compared with many African countries, Mozambique’s approach stands out for its integration of climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, fisheries governance, and livelihood development. While several coastal nations continue to grapple with declining fish stocks and mounting environmental pressures, Mozambique is increasingly prioritising long-term sustainability through community participation and climate-smart management practices.
As climate pressures intensify across Africa’s coastlines, Mozambique’s fisheries transformation offers an important model for the continent. Its experience demonstrates how sustainable resource management can strengthen livelihoods, protect marine ecosystems, and create new economic opportunities. By combining innovation, local participation, and environmental stewardship, Mozambique is building a more resilient future for its coastal communities while positioning itself as an emerging force in Africa’s blue economy.
