CAOPA statement for the AU-EU Summit (Luanda, Angola, November 2025)
As African and European governments meet in Luanda in November 2025, the Confederation of African Artisanal Fishing Organisations (CAOPA) calls on them to build on the commitments made at the 6th AU-EU Summit (Brussels, 2022), and at the 6th AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference (Rome, 2025), to set a new course at the Luanda AU-EU Summit, to ensure that African artisanal fisheries are fully recognised as a central pillar of sustainable food systems in Africa. At the 2022 AU-EU Summit, Heads of State and Governments adopted a Joint Vision for 2030, emphasizing shared commitments to human rights, gender equality, climate and biodiversity protection, and inclusive growth, – recognising food security and nutrition as core to prosperity and resilience for African citizens.
The Roadmap Towards 2030: Co-driving the Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership further signaled renewed cooperation on ocean governance, capacity development, and blue economy investment. At the 6th AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference, Ministers reaffirmed their joint commitments to strengthen cooperation on sustainable and resilient agrifood systems; support climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration; promote inclusive value chains that create decent jobs and empower women and youth.
The Luanda AU-EU summit should be the moment when Africa and Europe acknowledge that Sustainable African food systems means looking to all, croplands, pastures, seas and rivers, and that African small-scale fisheries are essential for delivering on their joint commitments:
1. African artisanal fisheries are indispensable to the establishment of sustainable food systems in Africa. They supply affordable, nutritive ‘blue foods’ that form the main source of animal protein for millions of Africans, particularly in coastal communities and beyond. Small-scale fishers, fish processors, and traders, – many of whom are women-, create jobs, supply local and regional markets, and ensure food availability all year round. By relying on local ecosystems and low impact fishing techniques, rather than intensive and expensive inputs, artisanal fisheries are an example of low-carbon food systems. Strengthening African artisanal fisheries through inclusive policies, climate adaptation, and value chain investment is therefore essential to achieving resilient, equitable, and sustainable African food systems.
2. African artisanal fishing communities are key actors in climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration. Across Africa, small-scale fishers and processors lead community initiatives to restore mangroves, protect spawning areas, strengthen the natural buffers that protect coastlines from erosion and flooding, and ensure the renewal of fish resources. By diversifying livelihoods, through for example small-scale aquaculture (oysters, etc.), they also enhance social resilience to climate shocks. Supporting these communities through targeted investments, recognition of local governance systems, and inclusion in national adaptation plans to climate change would increase the impact of AU and EU joint commitments to climate resilience and ecosystem restoration.
3. African artisanal fisheries are a powerful engine for the empowerment of women and youth across Africa. Women play leading roles in the whole artisanal fisheries value chains, in particular post-harvest activities-processing and marketing fish-while young people are increasingly engaged in fishing and value-added enterprises. These roles not only generate income but also support food supply chains and strengthen coastal community cohesion. However, women and youth face obstacles, including limited access to credit, training, and decision-making spaces. Recognising and supporting their contribution through targeted investment in innovations (use of solar power for cold chain, safety at sea, etc.), financial inclusion, skills development, and representation in policy processes would maximise the potential of African artisanal fisheries for decent job creation, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
CAOPA therefore calls on the AU and the EU heads of state and governments gathered in Luanda to:
1. Align African fisheries, especially small-scale, with cooperation in agriculture and the broader food systems agenda, as foreseen under the Joint Vision for 2030, to be operationalised through the Luanda commitments; Ensure that the implementation of the Roadmap Towards 2030 on Ocean Governance and Blue Economy is rights-based and inclusive, integrating the FAO SSF Guidelines, recognising local governance systems, and securing equitable participation and benefits for artisanal fishers, women, and coastal communities.
2. Ensure dedicated investment in African artisanal fisheries under EU-AU financial instruments (NDICI, EFSD+), consistent with the AU-EU Roadmap for 2030 and the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035
3. Include fisheries in AU-EU climate adaptation and resilience programmes, including joint actions on community-led coastal protection, mangrove restoration, and sustainable livelihoods, to deliver on shared 2030 climate and food security goals.
4. Guarantee informed participation of artisanal fisheries organisations, -including women and youth-, in the implementation and follow-up of the Luanda Summit outcomes and in the governance of AU-EU oceans and fisheries cooperation.
The Luanda AU-EU Summit will be an opportunity for governments to turn their political commitments to sustainable food systems, climate resilience and inclusive value chains into tangible programmes and engagement that support Africa’s coastal communities and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. Empowering Africa artisanal fisheries is the foundation of a just and sustainable ocean partnership.
Download CAOPA statement for the AU-EU Summit (Luanda, Angola, November 2025)
