Official launch of the KOUNKI project: a historic turning point for fisheries in the Republic of Guinea
Guinea has officially launched the KOUNKI Project, a major investment of USD 128 million supported by the World Bank, AFD, and PROBLUE, aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector by 2030. Under the supervision of Minister Fassou THÉA and as part of the Simandou 2040 Program, this initiative seeks to strengthen food sovereignty and will benefit 65,000 people.
Held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, H.E. Mamadi DOUMBOUYA, and chaired by the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Mr. Amadou Oury BAH, the official launch ceremony of the KOUNKI Project—a flagship initiative of the Guinean Government led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy—brought together high-level state authorities, partners, and key stakeholders from the fisheries sector, who turned out in large numbers.
The Project Coordinator, Mr. Youssouf Hawa Camara, presented the four components of the KOUNKI Project and emphasized that this initiative aims to sustainably transform Guinea’s fisheries sector, making it more resilient, inclusive, and efficient, in support of long-term food security and economic growth.
The Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Mr. Fassou THÉA, who played a key role in bringing the KOUNKI Project to fruition, first congratulated his two predecessors, Charlotte DAFFÉ and Fatima CAMARA, for their efforts in advancing the project. He then noted that it took the advent of the CNRD to see, for the first time in over 60 years of independence, the emergence of a project designed to make this sector a true driver of inclusive growth. He expressed his gratitude to the Head of State for his vision and determination to transform the sector—through deep reforms—from a subsistence activity into a genuine source of budgetary revenue and economic sovereignty.
Partners, working in synergy, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Republic of Guinea in the sustainable transformation of its fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury BAH welcomed the launch of KOUNKI, highlighting its potential to provide sustainable solutions to challenges related to food security, youth employment, and the fight against irregular migration. He called on all stakeholders to ensure the rigorous implementation of the project, to swiftly address any potential obstacles, and to adhere to the timelines set for the planned infrastructure. Beyond its economic, social, and environmental impacts, the KOUNKI Project aims to position Guinea as an emerging blue economy powerhouse in the West African sub-region.
The ceremony was marked by the signing of a partnership agreement between the Guinean Office of National Parks and Wildlife Reserves (OGPNRF) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, aimed at supporting the implementation of certain components of the KOUNKI Project.
Source: MPEM
