Haggar Group acquires 30% stake in Kenyan tilapia producer Camino Ruiz Agencies

KENYA – Haggar Group, a family-owned business fostering sustainable investment across Africa in agriculture, energy & ICT, has acquired a 30% equity stake in Camino Ruiz Agencies – Global Tilapia Limited, marking a strategic move to expand its aquaculture footprint across Africa and the Middle East.

The investment, announced on April 1, 2026, supports Haggar’s broader agro-industrial growth strategy, targeting scalable and integrated value chains in high-growth protein sectors. 

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Camino Ruiz Agencies, headquartered in Nairobi, operates an integrated tilapia production model in partnership with Global Tilapia Husbandry Limited, encompassing feed production, fingerling production, farming, processing, and distribution. 

The vertically integrated structure allows the company to control quality and efficiency across the value chain, positioning it to respond to rising demand for affordable fish protein.

The new capital is expected to support Camino’s expansion within Kenya while strengthening its export capabilities, particularly as demand for tilapia grows across regional and international markets. 

The company is also targeting entry into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, where seafood consumption continues to rise alongside population growth and import dependence.

For Haggar, the deal aligns with its long-standing strategy of partnering with local operators to scale agricultural and aquaculture businesses. 

Established in 1904 in South Sudan, the group has built a diversified presence across Africa and the Middle East, focusing on sustainable production models and regional trade integration.

The transaction reflects broader momentum in Africa’s aquaculture sector, where investment is increasing to close the gap between fish supply and demand. 

Tilapia, in particular, remains a priority species due to its adaptability, fast growth rates and strong consumer acceptance across multiple markets.

Regional push to strengthen tilapia value chains

Across Africa, governments and development partners are stepping up efforts to scale tilapia production and improve market access.

In Zimbabwe, authorities recently confirmed plans to launch a national tilapia marketing strategy with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization, aimed at boosting production, improving distribution channels and reducing reliance on fish imports.

Similarly, in Côte d’Ivoire, microfinance institutions have committed to supporting fish farmers through tailored financial products announced during the Aquaculture Finance Forum organised under the FAO’s FISH4ACP programme. 

The initiative is designed to improve access to capital and accelerate sector growth.

These developments highlight a coordinated regional effort to strengthen aquaculture value chains, improve feed availability, and enhance production efficiency, areas that remain critical constraints to scaling fish production across the continent.

Within this context, Haggar’s investment in Camino Ruiz Agencies signals growing private-sector confidence in East Africa’s aquaculture potential, particularly in integrated models that link feed, farming, and market access to drive long-term growth.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.