By Josiah Mpofu
Zambia’s fisheries and aquaculture industry is poised for a significant transformation making it one of the continent leader in fish production and exports.
This follows the African Union (AU) through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intentions to support the fisheries and aquaculture sub sectors in the country.
AFCFTA Principal Advisor Themba Khumalo said the initiative is aimed at boosting fisheries and aquaculture outputs, strengthen value chains, and unlock economic opportunities for women and youth.
Mr. Khumalo added that the initiative is not just about increasing volumes of fish, but about building capacity, financial inclusion, and market access.
“Our intention is to strengthen fish farmers’ skills, increase production and position Zambia as a powerhouse in fish production and a net exporter of fish and fish products,” said Mr. Khumalo.
Speaking during a courtesy call to Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Dr. Max Choombe in Lusaka, Mr. Khumalo underscored the importance of empowering small-scale farmers, especially women and youth to participate meaningfully in the regional fish trade.
“Zambia’s immense freshwater resources including lakes, rivers, and man-made dams provides an ideal environment for aquaculture to thrive, regardless of this potential, challenges such as limited access to affordable, high-quality fish feed, skills gaps, and uneven markets have kept production below capacity,” said Mr. Khumalo.
And Dr. Choombe applauded the AU’s support, saying the programme aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of uplifting marginalized groups in the country while addressing hunger and poverty.
“Women and youth are at the heart of our economic empowerment agenda therefore this initiative will not only create jobs but also ensure sustainable livelihoods,” noted Dr. Choombe.
He added that the programme’s focus on diversifying fish species is critical for market growth and the country’s economic development.
Dr. Choombe observed that Zambia’s fish trade is currently dominated by tilapia, but diversifying into other species could open new export markets and strengthen resilience in the sector.
Meanwhile, TradeMark Africa Regional Fisheries Programme Manager George Wamae has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support Zambia in enhancing fish feed production.
Mr Wamae said Zambia has the capacity to become the region’s leading supplier of fish feed if well supported.
“Feed is the lifeblood of aquaculture, by producing it locally, we can reduce costs, boost productivity and create new business opportunities for local Zambian entrepreneurs,” he said.
Assisted by AfCFTA, Zambia is aligning trade standards and strengthening market linkages to tap into Africa’s rising demand for fish. If implemented successfully the plan would not only secure the country’s dietary needs but also position Zambia as a leading supplier of fish and fish products in the region.
