Zimbabwe opens new hatchery to expand aquaculture production

ZIBAMBWE – Zimbabwe has inaugurated a new fish hatchery near Bulawayo as part of efforts to expand its aquaculture sector and reduce dependence on inland fisheries.

The hatchery, situated on land belonging to the Matopos Research Institute, is a joint initiative between the government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), though the project’s cost has not been disclosed.

According to Milton Makumbe, director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department, the facility can produce up to 2.7 million fry annually and is currently operating at 75% of its capacity.

Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the hatchery is intended to provide fish farmers with easier access to fingerlings and support the growth of local production.

The government’s national development plan, adopted in May 2025, targets increasing tilapia production from 4,942 tonnes in 2024 to 14,000 tonnes by 2032.

Despite these efforts, aquaculture accounts for only 16% of Zimbabwe’s annual fish supply, which averaged 31,000 tonnes between 2020 and 2023, with inland fisheries supplying the remainder.

The country’s domestic fish consumption has been estimated at 60,000 tonnes per year, meaning Zimbabwe continues to rely on imports to meet demand.

Officials indicate that improving access to quality fingerlings is a key step in supporting small-scale and commercial fish farmers across the country.

The new hatchery is expected to serve communities near Bulawayo first, with plans to expand distribution to other regions as production stabilizes.

Experts say that while the hatchery represents an important resource for local producers, the sector’s overall growth will depend on additional infrastructure, training, and investment to meet national consumption needs.

With the facility now operational, the government aims to gradually increase the contribution of aquaculture to the domestic fish market, reducing import dependence over the next decade.

The project reflects a broader effort to modernize Zimbabwe’s fisheries sector and provide more consistent supply chains for local fish farmers.

Authorities are monitoring the hatchery’s performance closely to ensure production targets are met and that fingerlings are delivered efficiently to support national aquaculture goals.

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