Zimbabwe is on the verge of enacting its first-ever Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, a milestone poised to transform the country’s aquaculture industry into a billion-dollar sector.
Spearheaded by the global aquatic value chain development programme FISH4ACP, the bill provides a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at streamlining regulations, promoting sustainable practices and attracting investment.
The bill, developed through extensive multi-stakeholder consultations coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), marks a critical turning point for Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
It was created in collaboration with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and supported financially by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
“This bill is a game-changer, streamlining regulations, promoting sustainable practices and driving growth in the industry. I am confident that we can unlock new opportunities for economic development, food security and job creation,” said Milton Makumbe, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
In 2022, a value chain analysis conducted by FISH4ACP identified Zimbabwe’s policy and legal framework as key to unlocking the country’s aquaculture potential.
The bill is expected to facilitate business operations and investment in the sector, which currently generates $22 million in added value.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, highlighted the impact of EU support through FISH4ACP, noting progress from legislative development to infrastructure expansion, including breeding centres and fingerling hubs.
These milestones lay the groundwork for an inclusive and sustainable fish value chain that can unlock millions in added value, create decent jobs – especially for women and youth – and contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic resilience,” von Kirchmann said.
Zimbabwe’s ambitious goal of developing a $1 billion aquaculture economy aligns with its broader efforts to enhance food security and combat malnutrition.
The bill outlines a vision for producing 14,000 tonnes of farmed tilapia annually, generating $22 million in revenue by 2032.
JN/APA