Investing in Blue Foods 2026

Doubling blue food production is one of several ways to close Africa’s protein supply gap. Another way is through greater efficiencies in processing. For example, up to 50%23 of fish is discarded during conventional processing – despite heads, bones and skin being among the most nutrient-rich parts. Converting these byproducts into food can increase protein supply without increasing harvests. Potential impact of blue foods on Africa’s protein gap FIGURE 2 Doubling blue food production can reduce Africa's protein supply gap by ~25% – the most viable solution on cost, quality and cultural fit Europe North America Oceania South America Asia World Africa112 110 1019693 91 65Africa lags other regions in per capita protein supply at ~40% below global average Average daily per capita protein supply (g) - all proteins 40% By 2032, Africa may be only continent where per capita blue foods consumption declines, as production growth is expected to lag population growth1Grams of protein, per capita per day 40% uplift in annual protein supply needed to match global average Africa’s annual protein supply (Mt)Doubling blue food production can reduce the protein gap by ~25% Africa’s annual blue food production (Mt) 13.6 Mt increase in protein supply needed to close gap with global per capita supply13.1 Mt increase in blue food production » 3.3 Mt increase in protein supply (~25% of 13.6 Mt protein shortfall)3 Current Required233.947.5 +40% +13.6 Mt Blue foods and protein supply Nutrition: deliver comparable high-quality protein to beef but include essential omega-3s that beef lacks Adoption: more culturally embedded in African diets; beef often reserved for occasional or ceremonial use Cost: ~30% cheaper than conventional beef proteinCurrent Required213.126.2Million tonnes (Mt)2x Annual protein supply (all proteins)Million tonnes (Mt) Annual blue food production Notes: 1. FAO projections. 2. Annual protein supply needed by Africa to match global average daily per capita protein supply. 3. Assumes 25g of protein supply per 100g of blue food production, based on nutrient profile of Nile tilapia (Africa’s most consumed fish). For detailed calculations, see Appendix A1 Sources: FAO, Our World in Data, World Bank, FoodStruct, BCG analysis.24 . Investing in Blue Foods: Innovation and Partnerships for Impact 8