African fish workers sidelined in trade deals: A challenge to SDG 8
- Editorial Team SDG8
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
The exclusion of African fish workers from international trade agreements poses a significant barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which promotes decent work and economic growth. Small-scale fishers, who form the backbone of coastal economies across Africa, are increasingly sidelined in trade protocols that favour large-scale commercial operations. This marginalisation threatens livelihoods, undermines food security, and jeopardizes sustainable fisheries management, a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts. Addressing this issue is critical to fostering inclusive economic growth, reducing inequality, and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The impact of trade exclusion on African fish workers
A recent report by Inter Press Service (IPS News, July 2025) highlights the growing exclusion of African fish workers from trade agreements between African governments and industrialised nations. These deals often prioritise corporate interests, granting foreign vessels access to African waters while neglecting the needs of local communities. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) notes that declining fish catches due to overfishing have led to a significant drop in income for small-scale fishers, with some regions reporting income reductions of up to 30% over the past decade. This exacerbates poverty in communities where fishing is a primary source of livelihood, directly undermining SDG 8’s aim of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted in June 2022, seeks to curb overfishing by prohibiting harmful subsidies. As of April 2025, 97 of 166 WTO members had ratified the agreement, but implementation remains slow, particularly in African nations where enforcement mechanisms are weak. In West Africa, for instance, foreign trawlers operating under access agreements have been linked to a tripling of local fish prices between 2021 and 2025, as reported by Amnesty International. This price surge, coupled with dwindling fish stocks, has left small-scale fishers struggling to compete, further entrenching economic inequality.
Grassroots initiatives and case studies
Efforts to address these challenges are emerging, though they remain fragmented. In Senegal, the Confederation of Artisanal Fisheries Organisations has advocated for stronger protections for small-scale fishers, pushing for policies that limit foreign vessel access and promote local processing industries. This initiative has led to a 15% increase in local fish processing jobs since 2020, demonstrating the potential for community-driven solutions to align with SDG 8. Similarly, in Ghana, the government’s Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026) aims to enhance sustainable fishing practices, with a target to increase local fishers’ income by 20% by 2026 through better resource management and market access.
Looking to the future, the African Development Bank’s USD 25.6 million Project for the Development of Competitive Value Chains in Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries, set to launch in June 2025, aims to bolster domestic aquaculture in countries like Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria, which imports 3.6 million tons of fish annually, is focusing on expanding tilapia farming, with early results showing tilapia reaching an average weight of 600g in six months, a promising step towards reducing reliance on imports and empowering local fishers.
Historically, trade agreements have often overlooked small-scale fishers. For example, a 2015 study by the University of British Columbia found that the EU and China paid minimal fees for access to West African waters between 2000 and 2010, offering little economic benefit to local communities. This trend continues, with current EU-Gambia agreements allowing foreign vessels to fish for tuna and black hake, set to expire in June 2025, sparking debates about their fairness.
The contribution of global society to fostering collaboration
Addressing the exclusion of African fish workers requires concerted global collaboration. The African Union (AU), in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is pivotal in advocating for policies that prioritise local economies. At the Third African Job Creation Forum in July 2025, AU officials called for bold actions to address employment challenges, emphasising the need for regional integration and digital innovation to create sustainable jobs in sectors like fisheries. The AfCFTA, projected to boost continental exports by USD 560 billion by 2035, offers a framework for African nations to negotiate fairer trade terms that protect small-scale fishers.
International organisations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also play a critical role. The FAO’s 2025 Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources revealed that 35% of global fish stocks are harvested unsustainably, yet 77% of fish consumed globally come from well-managed fisheries. This underscores the potential for sustainable practices to support both economic growth and environmental conservation, aligning with SDG 8 and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Collaborative efforts between African governments, international bodies, and civil society are essential to ensure trade policies are inclusive and equitable.
A call for continued action
The exclusion of African fish workers from international trade deals is a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving SDG 8. By prioritising corporate interests over local communities, these agreements perpetuate poverty and undermine sustainable development. Initiatives like Senegal’s fisheries advocacy and Nigeria’s aquaculture investments show promise, but scaling these efforts requires global cooperation. Policymakers, regional bodies, and international organisations must work together to create trade frameworks that empower small-scale fishers, ensuring decent work and economic growth for all.
For further reading on global efforts to support sustainable fisheries and economic inclusion, visit the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Knowledge Platform or explore the World Trade Organization’s Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
