In sub-Saharan Africa, women and youth constitute a vital segment of the aquaculture value chain, particularly in fish processing and informal trading. Despite their role, these groups continue to face high post-harvest losses, lack of access to preservation technologies, and barriers to financial and digital tools necessary for business growth. This paper explores inclusive strategies to reduce post-harvest loss, promote by-product utilization, and improve financial and digital literacy among women and youth fish processors and traders.
Post-harvest fish losses in the region are estimated at 30–40%, stemming largely from inadequate infrastructure, poor handling, and limited access to value addition knowledge. Training in low-cost technologies such as hygienic handling, eco-friendly smoking, solar drying, and cold chain systems can significantly reduce waste and improve quality, leading to better market access and extended shelf life. By shifting focus to value addition and product quality, women and youth can increase profitability and gain formal market entry.
Additionally, fish by-products—heads, bones, skin, and entrails—are often discarded, yet they offer potential for the creation of new value chains in animal feed, organic fertilizer, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This paper emphasizes the importance of skills transfer in by-product innovation, which not only reduces waste but also opens doors to micro-enterprise development.
Finally, integrating financial and digital literacy is essential for sustained empowerment. Access to mobile money, digital record-keeping, online trade platforms, and financial planning tools can help women and youth scale their operations, meet export standards, and engage in cross-border trade.
This paper proposes a multidimensional approach combining technical training, entrepreneurship development, and digital enablement. Strengthening these competencies can transform small-scale processors into resilient, market-ready players in Africa’s growing blue economy.