Luanda: The Angolan government has announced plans to implement a comprehensive fishing village development program aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring the sustainability of artisanal fishing. This decision was made public through a statement from the Council of Ministers in Luanda. According to Angola Press News Agency, the presidential decree endorsing the program was reviewed during the Council of Ministers' 9th ordinary session. It is set to be presented to the National Assembly for further discussion and final approval. The initiative seeks to enhance the living standards of coastal and rural fishing communities by upgrading infrastructure, equipment, and essential services. The program's implementation focuses on the sustainable development of artisanal, maritime, and continental fishing activities. It aims to boost production, improve market access, and enhance the value of fishing products. Additionally, it is expected to generate employment and raise the income levels of fishing communit ies. Carmen do Sacramento Neto, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, emphasized the program's significance, noting its estimated value of 800 to 900 million kwanzas. She highlighted the project's three main pillars: social, economic, and environmental. These pillars aim to organize local structures for dignified and hygienic operations while aligning with environmental conservation efforts. The program's initial phase will involve restructuring existing artisanal fishing centers in several locations across Angola, including Egito Praia and Equimina in Benguela, Lake Dilolo in Moxico Leste, Lagoa do Ngolome in Cuanza-Norte, and another location in Bengo. Except for Lake Dilolo, these areas already have structures ready to support the project's scale. Carmen do Sacramento Neto further explained that these centers will adopt an integrated organizational model, expanding beyond fishing to include tourism development and additional infrastructure such as residences. The program is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, enhancing the livelihoods of target populations. By 2027, the sector plans to expand the program to include more towns, eventually integrating several fishing villages into a unified concept. This approach aims to foster growth alongside agro-villages and tourist villages, providing dignity to fishermen, fish processors, and their families engaged in artisanal fishing.