Zimbabwe launches US$5M tilapia development plan
Plan includes infrastructure, processing, and market development for farmed fish
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has unveiled a five-year, US$5 million initiative aimed at expanding its aquaculture sector to meet rising domestic fish demand.
The program, developed with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), introduces the country’s first value chain marketing strategy specifically for farmed tilapia, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
Officials say the strategy is designed to increase local tilapia output, organise market channels, and enhance the value of farmed fish through processing and improved handling.
Funding for the project comes from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with resources directed toward access to quality fingerlings, fish feed, and training in aquaculture best practices.
The plan also prioritises building infrastructure such as collection centres and cold storage facilities, including the development of a cold storage unit in Mutare, while standardising packaging and introducing traceability measures to ensure food safety.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country aims to raise tilapia production to 14,000 tonnes by 2032, a significant increase from 4,942 tonnes recorded in 2024, of which tilapia made up 90% of farmed fish stocks.
Milton Tinashe Makumbe, director of the Department of Animal and Fisheries Production, explained that the marketing strategy will help aquaculture capture a larger share of the domestic market, which is currently supplied mainly by inland fisheries and imports.
Current data indicate that Zimbabwe’s annual fish consumption stands at approximately 60,000 tonnes, while local production from fishing and aquaculture totals only 35,000 tonnes, leaving a 41% shortfall.
The initiative is expected to strengthen processing capabilities, improve distribution, and provide small-scale producers with better market access, officials say, which could gradually reduce the country’s dependence on imported fish.
Authorities highlight that the phased approach will focus on both production and post-harvest activities, aiming to improve the supply chain and add value to farmed tilapia through enhanced processing and storage.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s press release noted that successful implementation of the strategy could support Zimbabwe’s broader goal of making aquaculture a key component of national food security and economic activity.
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