Seaweed farming in East Africa is blossoming into a vibrant
sector with both economic and environmental promise. Ulva Sea Farms is pioneering
the farming of Ulva seaweed on the Somali coast. This will help empower local
women by giving them employment, an income, and access to a nutrient-rich food
source.
Seaweed farming in Somalia is still in its early stages, but
it holds immense potential as part of the country’s broader Blue Economy
strategy.
S🇴 why Somalia?
Somalia is a Sleeping Giant for Seaweed. It has the longest
coastline in mainland Africa: Over 3,300 km along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf
of Aden. Untapped marine biodiversity: Somalia’s waters host a wide variety of
seaweed species, many of which are commercially valuable.
Strategic location: Proximity to global shipping lanes and
markets in the Middle East and Europe makes export logistics promising.
Seaweed in the Blue
Economy
Seaweed farming is one of several sectors identified in
Somalia’s emerging Blue Economy framework, alongside fisheries, aquaculture,
and marine biotechnology. The government is actively working on:
Simplified licensing for aquaculture ventures
Tax incentives for investors
Public-private partnerships to scale operations sustainably
⚠️ Challenges to Overcome
Infrastructure gaps: Limited cold storage, processing
facilities, and transport networks
Climate vulnerability: Droughts and coastal degradation
threaten marine ecosystems
Security and governance: Political instability in some
coastal regions can hinder investment
What’s Next?
With the right support—especially from international donors,
NGOs, and private investors—Somalia could become a regional leader in
sustainable seaweed farming. The sector offers:
Income for coastal communities
Climate-resilient food systems
Raw materials for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels
What seaweeds grow off Somalia, and what is it used for?
Eucheuma denticulatum Red
seaweed Carrageenan (used in food,
cosmetics) Thrives in warm,
shallow waters
Kappaphycus alvarezii Red
seaweed Carrageenan pigments for food Fast-growing, widely
farmed in East Africa
Gracilaria spp. Red
seaweed Agar production, animal feed Adaptable to various salinities
Ulva spp. Green
seaweed: Human food, Pharmaceutical extracts, Biofertilizer, cosmetics, high growth rate, used in bioremediation
Ulva Sea Farms is looking to inject £80,000 into setting
up the first Somali Ulva farm. If you have an interest in helping or investing
in this project, please email us directly ulvaseafarms@email.com
Seaweed farming along the rest of the
East African coast.
Tanzania: A powerhouse in seaweed farming, especially for
Eucheuma and Kappaphycus species. These are used to produce carrageenan, a
thickening agent in food and cosmetics.
Kenya: Coastal communities, particularly in Kwale County,
are actively cultivating seaweed. Over 1,100 farmers contribute to the supply
chain, with support from companies like East Africa Seaweeds Limited.
Madagascar & South Africa: Also involved, though on a
smaller scale. South Africa focuses more on Ulva and Gracilaria species.
Community Impact
Women-led initiatives: Seaweed farming has become a major
source of income for coastal women, empowering thousands economically.
Youth engagement: Training and employment opportunities are
helping reduce unemployment in rural areas.
Environmental
Benefits
Seaweed cultivation helps absorb carbon dioxide, improve
marine biodiversity, and reduce ocean acidification.
It’s a low-impact form of aquaculture that doesn’t require
fresh water or fertilizers.
Challenges &
Opportunities
Climate change: Rising temperatures and disease outbreaks
threaten yields.
Market access: Farmers often face low prices and limited
access to international buyers.
Future Potential
Africa is already the third-largest producer of red
eucheumatoid seaweeds globally, with about 120,000 tons annually. With the
right investment and policy support, East Africa could rival Asia in seaweed
production and processing.
Seaweed farming in Somalia is still
in its early stages, but it holds immense potential as part of the country’s
broader Blue Economy strategy.
