Cameroon has launched a renewed push to regain access to lucrative European and American shrimp markets, rolling out targeted reforms aimed at aligning its seafood export practices with stringent international standards.
The initiative follows years of restricted access to these high-value markets, largely due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements on hygiene, traceability, and quality control. Now, authorities and industry players are stepping up efforts to address these gaps and reposition the country as a competitive exporter in the global seafood trade.
At the centre of this effort is a training and capacity-building drive designed to improve compliance across the shrimp value chain. A two-day workshop held in Douala on April 15–16 brought together exporters, government agencies and technical partners to focus on critical deficiencies that have previously blocked market access. These include traceability systems, sanitary practices and the management of food-contact materials—key areas required by both the European Union and the United States.
The programme is being implemented under Fish4ACP, an initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization and funded by the European Union and Germany. Technical training was delivered by the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, an accredited laboratory specializing in food and environmental quality control.
Officials say the reforms are essential if Cameroon is to tap into global shrimp markets that demand increasingly strict compliance with safety and sustainability standards. The European Union, for instance, has historically enforced tight sanitary requirements on seafood imports, with past bans linked to deficiencies in handling and processing practices.
Despite these challenges, the shrimp sector remains a vital pillar of Cameroon’s economy.
The industry generates approximately $85 million annually and supports around 2,000 jobs, with women accounting for about one-third of the workforce. Industrial operators dominate production, contributing roughly 80% of total output, while artisanal fishing accounts for the remainder.
Annual production is estimated at about 4,200 tonnes from industrial fishing and over 1,000 tonnes from artisanal operations, though broader surveys suggest total artisanal output could be significantly higher.
Beyond its economic importance, shrimp is Cameroon’s leading seafood export product and a key source of income for coastal communities. Strengthening the sector’s competitiveness is therefore seen not only as a trade objective but also as a social and development priority.
Global demand dynamics are also working in Cameroon’s favour.
The international shrimp market is expanding rapidly, with projections showing growth from nearly $69 billion in 2024 to over $100 billion by 2033. At the same time, European demand remains strong, with imports rising steadily year-on-year.
However, accessing these markets requires more than just supply.
Modern seafood trade is increasingly shaped by strict regulatory frameworks that emphasize traceability, sustainability and food safety. Exporters must demonstrate full transparency across the value chain—from catch to processing and packaging—while meeting detailed hygiene and environmental standards.
For Cameroon, this means transforming not just production practices but the entire ecosystem supporting the shrimp industry.
The current reform drive includes strengthening certification systems, improving laboratory testing capabilities, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. A dedicated session during the Douala workshop focused on the role of the National Veterinary Laboratory, which is responsible for certifying shrimp products prior to export.
Experts say such institutional upgrades will be critical in restoring confidence among international buyers and regulators.
At the same time, the reforms align with broader efforts to modernize Cameroon’s fisheries sector. Initiatives under Fish4ACP aim to improve stock management, reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that increased exports do not come at the cost of long-term resource depletion.
Government officials remain cautiously optimistic.
While acknowledging the quality of Cameroon’s shrimp, they stress that meeting international standards is non-negotiable for market access. The ongoing reforms are therefore seen as a necessary step toward unlocking higher-value export opportunities and reducing reliance on alternative markets such as Asia.
If successful, the strategy could significantly boost export revenues, create jobs and strengthen Cameroon’s position in the global seafood industry.
But the challenge is clear: compliance is not a one-time fix—it requires sustained investment, continuous monitoring and strict enforcement.
For Cameroon’s shrimp sector, the path back to Europe and the United States will depend not just on ambition, but on execution.
