Mozambique targets 549,533 tonnes of fish production in 2026 amid aquaculture push

MOZAMBIQUE – Mozambique expects to produce 549,533 tonnes of fish in the 2026 fishing season, a 0.3 per cent increase from the previous year, as the government rolls out measures to expand aquaculture and strengthen small-scale fisheries, officials said at the season’s opening in Beira.

The target reflects continued reliance on artisanal fishing. 

Of the total, 512,964 tonnes will come from small-scale fisheries, 25,925 tonnes from industrial and semi-industrial operations, and 10,644 tonnes from aquaculture. 

The sector remains a critical source of livelihoods and food security across coastal communities.

Speaking at the launch, Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries Momade Juízo said the government is working with stakeholders to increase production through both capture fisheries and farming systems, aiming to improve incomes along the value chain.

“The previous fishing season recorded around 518,000 tonnes, valued at approximately 34,000 million meticais, and exports reached 8,000 tonnes of fish products,” Juízo said.

Small-scale fisheries dominate the sector, contributing more than 90 per cent of total output. 

To support sustainability, local fish management plans are expected to be implemented in Sofala and Nampula provinces, including Machanga, Memba, Ilha de Moçambique, Nacala and Mogincual. 

These plans aim to establish community-managed fishing areas and support resource recovery.

Aquaculture growth highlights feed demand potential

Mozambique’s modest production growth target reflects structural constraints in capture fisheries and a growing policy shift toward aquaculture. 

The government plans to expand financing across the value chain, establish demonstration units, strengthen technical assistance, and accelerate licensing processes.

Efforts will also focus on certifying broodstock, fingerlings and feed, signalling increasing attention to input quality and productivity. 

For the feed industry, this is a key development. Aquaculture growth is directly linked to rising demand for formulated feeds, which remain underdeveloped in many African markets.

Across Africa, aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors. 

According to FAO, the continent still imports a significant share of its fish, despite having strong potential to expand local production. 

Feed availability and cost remain major constraints, often accounting for more than half of production expenses in fish farming systems.

Recent floods and inundations have also affected fish farmers in districts such as Nhamatanda and Dondo, highlighting the vulnerability of both capture fisheries and aquaculture to climate events. 

During the launch, feed and fingerlings were distributed to affected farmers to support recovery.

To strengthen extension services, 12 motorbikes were also provided to officers in districts including Búzi, Machanga, Muanza and Beira under the ProPeixe project.

 Improved extension capacity is expected to support knowledge transfer and adoption of better production practices.

Financing remains a central pillar of the government’s strategy. 

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to mobilise investment into the fisheries and aquaculture value chains, with some international banks already expressing interest in funding the sector.

While the 0.3 per cent production increase signals stability rather than rapid expansion, the policy direction points to longer-term growth potential, particularly in aquaculture.

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