The Federal Government has called for the elimination of financial and market barriers limiting the participation of women and youths in the fisheries and aquaculture sector across Africa.

It also stressed that empowering women and young people in the sector is crucial to unlocking the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (African Continental Free Trade Area), which aims to boost intra-African trade and economic integration.

According to the government, women and youths play a significant role in fisheries and aquaculture value chains, but continue to face challenges such as limited access to finance, markets, and modern equipment.

It noted that addressing these constraints would not only improve productivity in the sector but also strengthen food security, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.