Top Burkina Faso Fish Catches

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, has a modest but vital inland fishing industry centered around its numerous rivers, lakes, and artificial reservoirs such as Lake Bam and the Kompienga Dam. The country’s top fish catches include species like Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and various species of carp and cichlids. Fishing in Burkina Faso is primarily artisanal, providing food security and livelihoods for many rural communities. The industry began to develop more significantly in the 1970s and 1980s with the construction of large reservoirs, which boosted fish production and encouraged the adoption of improved fishing techniques. While not a major exporter, Burkina Faso’s fishing sector remains crucial for local consumption and nutrition, with ongoing efforts to improve sustainable management and aquaculture practices.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.