Mauritania: A program to train and integrate 1,000 young people in small-scale fishing

A sector in need of skilled labor

In Mauritania, artisanal fishing, and more specifically octopus fishing, suffers from a shortage of skilled workers. Although this activity is reserved for local fishermen, the lack of skills hampers its development and limits employment opportunities.

A government program to boost the sector

To alleviate this problem, the government has launched an ambitious program to train and integrate 1,000 young people into the artisanal fishing industry. The project is based on a partnership between the Fédération Nationale de la Pêche and two ministries: the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports and Civic Service, and the Ministry of Fisheries.

A special focus on octopus fishing

The initiative will focus on strengthening young people’s skills in octopus fishing. According to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, the aim is to “promote the Mauritanianization of jobs in artisanal octopus fishing”.

Comprehensive training and support

A national campaign will recruit the program’s beneficiaries. They will undergo theoretical training before embarking on a work placement. During their apprenticeship, the government will pay for their accommodation, food and equipment.

Towards sustainable professional integration

Thanks to this program, the young people trained will have the opportunity to enter the artisanal fishing sector on a long-term basis. This initiative is designed to boost local employment and stimulate a key sector of the Mauritanian economy.