Govt Backs Tilapia Push to Hit Vision 2030 Targets

By Beknowned Chimwaza

The Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, has officially launched the Fish4ACP-Zimbabwe Farmed Tilapia Market Strategy (2026–2030), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to transforming the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Speaking at the launch, Marapira said the Second Republic is fully backing initiatives aimed at strengthening the tilapia value chain, which he described as central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development.

“Aquaculture is no longer a peripheral activity but a critical pillar for food and nutrition security, rural industrialisation, and employment creation, particularly for youth and women,” he said.

He added that the sector will play a significant role in achieving Vision 2030 by contributing to economic growth, import substitution, and export development.

Despite the sector’s potential, Marapira acknowledged that fish producers and value chain players continue to face challenges affecting production and competitiveness in regional markets.

“Addressing these challenges requires collective effort by all stakeholders along the tilapia value chain,” he said.

“The development of a market-focused strategy to tackle these issues is therefore most welcome as we move towards Vision 2030.”

The Government has already introduced policy measures to support the sector, including a reduction in fees and levies, as well as the removal of 15 percent VAT on fish and fish products. These interventions are expected to incentivise production and improve the competitiveness of local products.

Zimbabwe currently faces a significant fish supply deficit. Annual demand stands at approximately 60,000 metric tonnes, while production is at 35,151 metric tonnes, leaving a gap of around 25,000 metric tonnes. While imports partially cover this shortfall, the deficit presents an opportunity to expand domestic production and empower local farmers.

The country’s fisheries sector remains largely dependent on inland capture fisheries and aquaculture.

However, capture fisheries have become increasingly unreliable due to overfishing and climate-related pressures, making aquaculture a more sustainable alternative.

Fish exports, which peaked at US$15.3 million in 2014, have declined sharply to just US$126,000 in 2024.

This downturn highlights the need for a robust marketing strategy to reposition Zimbabwe’s fish products on regional and international markets.

The newly launched strategy, developed through a study led by the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), provides a comprehensive roadmap for revitalising the tilapia value chain.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are driving growth in the sector, with the number of active fish farmers increasing by 8.8 percent from 7,445 in 2024 to 8,101 in 2025.

However, most farmers currently sell raw fish at pond-side level, limiting income and job creation opportunities.

Opportunities exist for value addition, including fish filleting, smoked products, ready-to-eat meals, and the use of by-products for feed and organic inputs. Full implementation of the strategy is expected to unlock production, improve marketing, and enhance financing within the industry.

Zimbabwe has also adopted standards set by the African Organisation for Standardisation, implemented locally through the Standards Association of Zimbabwe. These standards are aimed at improving food safety, expanding regional market access, and supporting SME growth in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Marapira said the strategy provides a clear framework for developing a viable tilapia industry that contributes meaningfully to national economic development.

He expressed gratitude to the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization for their financial and technical support under the Fish4ACP programme.

“The Government of Zimbabwe greatly appreciates this support and looks forward to strengthening such collaborations as we move towards a prosperous future,” he said.