The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), in partnership with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), concluded its inaugural 3-day regional workshop aimed at enhancing transparency and governance standards across Africa’s fisheries sector.

The event, held in Praia, Cabo Verde from 14^th to 16^th October, brought together representatives from five pioneering African nations—Cabo Verde, Madagascar, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles—chosen for their advanced FiTI implementation and shared regional challenges, particularly IUU fishing.

The Seychelles delegation, consists of 6 members, including FiTI  National Lead Mr. Philippe Michaud and Seychelles Fisheries Authority’s representative Ms. Betty Victor.

The workshop focused on leveraging each country’s experiences to foster regional cooperation, strengthen fisheries management, and support Africa’s broader development goals outlined in Agenda 2063.

Seychelles, one of the region’s most advanced fisheries implementers, played a key role by sharing insights from its comprehensive, multi-sectoral governance model.

Key achievements of the workshop included the development of practical tools such as an interactive participatory toolkit aimed at elevating Multi-Stakeholder Groups from mere compliance to proactive, inclusive fisheries management. Participants also reviewed upcoming global standards, such as the expanded FiTI transparency requirements, and the new Fisheries Information System (FIS), designed to digitize data collection and enhance policy-making credibility. The introduction of FiTI’s Compliance Channel was also discussed as a mechanism to uphold accountability.

Furthermore, the workshop emphasized aligning national efforts with continental strategies, including the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database (AFAData), and broader frameworks like the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS). Such alignment aims to ensure that domestic transparency initiatives support broader economic development and sustainability goals across the continent.