Title: The new challenges of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Office in the DRC
Introduction :
Since their appointment by the Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the new heads at the head of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Office (ONPA) have met with the Minister of Fisheries and breeding, Adrien Bokele Djema, to discuss the challenges and the objectives to be achieved. This appointment marks a new stage in the Congolese government’s desire to promote fish production, modernize the sector and ensure food self-sufficiency for the population. In this article, we will examine the missions of ONPA and the expectations that weigh on this new management team.
ONPA’s missions:
The ONPA’s main mission is to contribute to the increase in fisheries and aquaculture production in the DRC. This involves organizing the supply of fishing and aquaculture inputs, materials and equipment, as well as the collection and distribution of fishing products throughout the national territory. In addition, this office is responsible for setting up fishing and aquaculture infrastructure, processing and preserving fishing products, organizing marketing and market access, and participation in scientific research applied to this sector.
Expectations and challenges:
Adrien Bokele Djema, the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, expects ONPA to be effective and efficient in the short and long term. The Head of State’s vision is clear: relaunch the fishing sector to ensure the country’s food self-sufficiency. It is therefore essential that the ONPA implement concrete actions to increase production and modernize fishing techniques.
Moreover, the new management team of ONPA must work in the general interest of the Congolese. Henriette Wamu, president of the board of directors, affirmed that her team will fully invest in the well-being of the population, while respecting the vision of the President of the Republic.
In addition, ONPA will have to face important challenges such as the improvement of fishing and aquaculture infrastructure, the fight against illegal fishing and the preservation of fishery resources. It will also be crucial for the office to promote the training and development of the skills of fishermen, in order to improve their productivity and ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
Conclusion :
The appointment of the new ONPA coordinators in the DRC marks an important step in the government’s desire to relaunch the fishing and aquaculture sector. Expectations are high and challenges many, but with a clear vision and a will to act, ONPA has the potential to transform this key sector of the Congolese economy.. It remains to be seen how the management team will be able to meet these challenges and implement concrete actions to achieve the objectives set