Africa is bordered by seas and rich in inland waters, yet many countries still face shortages of skilled labor, funding, and modern fishing infrastructure as they develop their marine economies. China"s strengths in marine fisheries, shipbuilding and port development therefore make China-Africa cooperation in the so-called blue economy a natural and timely fit, Xinhua reported.

　　China is the world"s largest producer and exporter of aquatic products. In recent years, it has carried out fisheries cooperation with nearly 20 African countries, with related output reaching about 300,000 tons annually. According to data from the African Union, Africa"s blue economy size is projected to grow to $405 billion by 2030, Xinhua reported.

　　From sourcing to skills

　　Mohamed Harun, a local worker engaged in fish processing, told the Global Times that his life has changed since he joined a fish-processing company in 2023. "We now have stable work five days a week, which has increased my income and allowed me to learn new skills," Harun said.

　　Harun noted that through daily production work, he has learned not only how to process fish but also how to make mesh boards, improving both his cooking skills and basic carpentry skills. He said the project has already brought great changes to the village.

　　According to Harun, the company has created jobs for young and middle-aged residents and helped build a landing site managed by the local beach management unit, which is also available for village use.

　　"It has made our small village better known not only in Kenya but also in China, and we are proud of that," he said. Harun added that he hopes more skilled trainers will come to teach local fishermen, enabling more dried fish to be exported to China and allowing the cooperation to expand further.