Zambia charts course toward continental fisheries policy alignment

ZAMBIA – A high-level stakeholder workshop currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia, is marking a crucial step in the country’s efforts to align its fisheries and aquaculture strategy with the African Union’s Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa.

Running from June 16 to 19, 2025, the consultation and validation workshop is jointly hosted by the African Union–InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. 

The forum brings together policymakers, researchers, regional bodies, and industry experts to review Zambia’s national frameworks and investment plans in line with continental and global instruments for sustainable aquatic food systems.

First adopted in response to the 2010 call by the Conference of African Ministers on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA), the PFRS serves as a cornerstone of Africa’s blue economy agenda. 

The strategy aims to ensure food and nutrition security, enhance sustainability, and foster inclusive economic growth through better policy coherence and governance in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Opening the workshop, Mr. Mwila, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, reaffirmed Zambia’s ambition to strengthen its fisheries sector through value chain development. 

“We aim to grow our annual fish output to 225,000 metric tonnes by 2026 by scaling up fingerling production and enhancing monitoring and surveillance systems,” he stated.

Mr. Mwila emphasised that aligning national legislation with continental policy is essential for long-term sustainability and effective governance. 

“Harmonising legislation and aligning with continental policy through such consultations is vital for Zambia’s policy coherence and long-term sustainability,” he added. 

He further urged participants to take full advantage of the consultative process and leverage shared continental and global tools for better outcomes.

AU-IBAR’s support and broader context

Representing AU-IBAR’s Director, Mrs. Patricia Lumba underscored the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Member States. “Zambia is the 16th country AU-IBAR is supporting in this alignment process,” she noted, adding that the PFRS was built on an inclusive, continent-wide consultative process.

“The PFRS and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy are not just policy tools; they are instruments of transformation for communities, economies, and ecosystems across Africa,” she said, highlighting the potential of Africa’s aquatic resources to drive prosperity and resilience.

Technical sessions target policy gaps and investment strategies

The four-day workshop features in-depth technical sessions where participants analyse findings from recent national consultations, identifying policy gaps, and making actionable recommendations. 

Emphasis is being placed on improving Zambia’s National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs), integrating climate-smart strategies, and mainstreaming sustainability principles.

Breakout discussions are focusing on the domestication of international instruments, including those concerning biodiversity, food safety, and small-scale fisheries. 

The agenda also addresses institutional and legal reforms needed to support Zambia’s full alignment with the PFRS.

Participants are working toward a final communiqué that will outline Zambia’s roadmap for implementation, including the review and update of National Fisheries Policies, identification of best practices, and capacity strengthening for ratification of prioritised global instruments.

The Lusaka workshop highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration in shaping a resilient and inclusive aquatic sector. It also reflects AU-IBAR’s pivotal role in promoting a unified continental approach to fisheries governance.

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