By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, July 28 2026 – China has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 21 staff members of Somalia's Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the ministry said on Monday, as the two countries deepen cooperation in fisheries and the blue economy.
The scholarship recipients will pursue master's degrees at universities across China in fields related to fisheries, marine resources and the blue economy before returning to serve in Somalia's public sector, the ministry said.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Hassan Adan said the programme was designed to strengthen the technical capacity of ministry staff and help build the skilled workforce needed to develop Somalia's fisheries industry.
"This is the second consecutive year we have sent postgraduate students under this programme," Adan said during a farewell ceremony in Mogadishu. He said the ministry had previously supported nearly 20 master's students and almost 20 doctoral candidates through similar initiatives, with 27 participants having already completed their studies.
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The minister urged the scholarship recipients to make full use of the opportunity and return with the expertise needed to help manage Somalia's marine resources and expand the country's blue economy.
The scholarships come as Somalia seeks to strengthen cooperation with China in the fisheries sector.
Last week, the government announced it would exempt Somali fish exports to China from taxation under a bilateral agreement aimed at boosting exports and unlocking the country's estimated $10 billion marine resources.
Officials say they aim to increase fisheries revenues through expanded production, trade and exports as part of broader efforts to develop the blue economy.