Horn of Africa Fishing Company

Founded in 2013, Horn of Africa Fishing Company (“HAFCO”) is the largest seafood processing and cold storage company located in Bosaso, Puntland. In 2013, HAFCO identified the potential for processed and added-value fish to be a major export for the Somali region and invested heavily in the sector. Today, the firm specializes in the production and cold storage of a variety of seafood products: fresh fish, frozen fish, seafood, and added-value fish (e.g., breaded fish fillets).

Historically, Puntland fishermen have faced high levels of post-harvest loss due to long exposure times and lack of any type of cool/cold storage aboard fishing vessels. It is estimated that 95 percent of local fishing boats lack onboard ice. HAFCO’s cold storage, blast freezer, and hygienic processing facilities will be able to address a significant amount of this loss, leading to a stronger fishing industry with higher quality product. Through a Shuraako-facilitated investment, HAFCO was able to hire additional workers and purchase a fish mincing machine, fish skin remover, fish burger machine, cold room chiller, cooling system for the processing area, and digital thermometer. This investment made it possible for HAFCO to further refine its seafood processing capabilities by expanding its processing capacity and cold storage facilities, allowing it to begin full-scale production.