Zimbabwe launches US$5M tilapia strategy to boost production and cut fish supply gap

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has launched a US$5 million tilapia marketing strategy for 2026–2030, backed by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, to increase aquaculture production, improve market structure and reduce a 41 per cent national fish supply gap, the government said.

The roadmap, developed with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization, focuses on improving access to quality fish feed and fingerlings, expanding cold chain infrastructure and strengthening value addition across the tilapia value chain. 

The government aims to position aquaculture as a key contributor to domestic fish supply, which is currently insufficient to meet demand.

Zimbabwe’s annual fish demand is estimated at 60,000 tonnes, while local supply stands at about 35,000 tonnes, leaving a significant shortfall. 

Aquaculture production remains limited, reaching 4,942 tonnes in 2024, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health, with tilapia accounting for roughly 90 per cent of output while the government aims to reach 14,000 tonnes of tilapia production by 2032.

The strategy introduces a phased rollout focused on infrastructure and market organisation. 

Plans include developing aggregation hubs and cold-chain logistics, such as the Mutare Cold Room Unit, alongside the introduction of packaging standards and traceability systems to improve food safety and product quality.

The government also aims to shift the market from selling whole fish to higher-value products such as fillets, smoked fish and ready-to-cook meals. 

This is expected to improve returns for producers and strengthen competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets.

Feed and input systems central to scaling production

The strategy highlights key bottlenecks limiting aquaculture growth, particularly access to quality inputs. 

Fish feed remains one of the largest cost components in aquaculture, often accounting for more than 50 per cent of production costs in African systems.

Improving feed availability and quality is critical to achieving production targets. 

Inconsistent supply and limited local manufacturing capacity have constrained growth in many countries, including Zimbabwe. 

Strengthening input systems is therefore essential to support higher stocking densities, faster growth rates and improved feed conversion.

Zimbabwe’s strategy reflects a broader shift across Africa, where governments are turning to aquaculture to address rising fish demand. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, fish consumption continues to increase across the continent, driven by population growth and urbanisation, while capture fisheries remain under pressure.

Tilapia dominates aquaculture production in sub-Saharan Africa due to its adaptability and strong market acceptance. 

Scaling the sector requires coordinated investment in feed, genetics, infrastructure and market systems.

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