Marine bivalves are nutritious, inexpensive and sustainable protein sources for humans nonetheless their commercial production in Africa is relatively unexplored. Bivalves are widespread in marine coastal areas and provide important services to marine ecosystems but as filter-feeders may accumulate contaminants from the environment. When bivalves are eaten these contaminants can cause diseases that might be severe and ultimately lead to death in humans. Food-borne illness and death are common in Africa and prevention is of paramount importance. Bivalve mariculture contributes to improving food security and has a low environmental impact but in Africa, this activity is poorly explored due to lack of investment/knowledge and the available native specimens for consumption are obtained from the Ocean and adequate measures for safety and quality control are non-existent.