Zimbabwe charts a new course with landmark Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is looking to transform its fisheries and aquaculture sector with the introduction of its first-ever Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill.

Spearheaded by the global aquatic value chain development initiative FISH4ACP, the landmark legislation marks a pivotal moment in efforts to harness the country’s aquatic resources for economic growth, food security, and job creation.

The bill, developed through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder process led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is now ready to be tabled before parliament following its recent validation by key stakeholders at a national workshop.

“The bill provides a comprehensive and cohesive legislative framework which represents a critical turning point for Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe. 

Special attention was given to ensuring inclusive participation, with women and youth actively involved throughout the consultation process. 

The feedback collected from these country-wide engagements helped shape the bill’s zero-draft, which was prepared in close collaboration with FAO legal experts and Zimbabwe’s Attorney General’s office.

Laying the groundwork for a US$1 billion fish economy

The bill is a direct response to gaps identified in a 2022 aquaculture value chain analysis conducted by FISH4ACP. The study underscored the urgent need for a cohesive legal and policy framework to unlock the sector’s full potential.

“This bill is a game-changer, streamlining regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and driving growth in the industry,” said Milton Makumbe, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. 

“I am confident that we can unlock new opportunities for economic development, food security, and job creation.”

At the core of Zimbabwe’s vision is the development of a US$1 billion fish economy, underpinned by a target of 14,000 tonnes of farmed tilapia and US$22 million in annual added value by 2032. 

The proposed legislation is expected to foster investment, improve the ease of doing business, and safeguard the integrity of the aquaculture supply chain, from fingerling production to feed distribution.

“This bill can safeguard the future of Zimbabwe’s fish farmers,” said Loraine Motsi, a farmer who participated in the draft review workshop. 

“It preserves the integrity of the supply chain from fingerlings to feed, enabling farmers to produce high-quality fish and build a thriving aquaculture industry that benefits our entire nation”

Backed by international support

The development of the bill is supported by FISH4ACP, an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

“The EU is proud to see how our support through the FISH4ACP programme is already catalysing tangible progress in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector, from the development of robust legislation to the rollout of breeding centres and fingerling hubs,” said Jobst von Kirchmann, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

The Ambassador added that these milestones lay the groundwork for an inclusive and sustainable fish value chain that can unlock millions in added value, create decent jobs, especially for women and youth, and contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic resilience.

Building capacity on the ground

In tandem with legislative efforts, FAO has also provided technical support to establish and rehabilitate three breeding centres and two fingerling distribution hubs across Zimbabwe. 

These facilities aim to enhance genetic quality and ensure consistent supply, forming the backbone of a robust aquaculture value chain.

The Nile tilapia value chain in Zimbabwe is one of 12 aquaculture value chains selected from over 70 global proposals to receive targeted support under the five-year FISH4ACP programme (2020–2025). 

The initiative places strong emphasis on sustainability, productivity, and inclusivity, particularly supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and empowering women and youth.

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