Under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), Zimbabwe has officially launched a new scientific paradigm aimed at transforming its fisheries sector into a US$1 billion fish economy.
The inaugural National Fisheries and Aquaculture Symposium, which opened on 13 March 2026 at the Mandel Training Centre in Harare, marks a decisive moment for the sector. This event symbolizes a true strategic turning point for the future of fisheries and aquaculture in the country.
The creation in 2021 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD) reflects this new direction. Through this initiative, the government initiated a major transition, moving from a fragmented management of the sector to a cohesive production-focused strategy, placed under the authority of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
In an opening speech delivered on his behalf by the ARDAS Chief Director, Mrs. Medlinah Magwenzi, the Permanent Secretary, Professor Dr. Obert Jiri, recalled the main objective of this new momentum:
“to increase national fish production, currently at 35,200 metric tonnes, to 60,000 metric tonnes by 2030.”
The symposium comes at a particularly critical time. National demand for protein is rising sharply, while some traditional sources are experiencing a significant decline. This is particularly the case for kapenta, whose production has dropped from 27,000 metric tonnes per year in the 1990s to only 5,000 tonnes today.
In response to this deficit, scientific research appears as a key lever to support the development of the sector and strengthen the national supply of fishery products.
During this week, researchers and fish farmers are presenting more than 23 scientific papers, structured around three major pillars:
- Genetic improvement, aimed at bridging the gap between the 12.5 million fingerlings produced annually and the national demand estimated at 30 million.
- Nutritional innovation, intended to overcome the high cost of fish feed through the development of local, sustainable and affordable alternatives.
- Climate-smart technologies, including innovations such as solar-powered aeration systems and data-driven disease management to reduce the impact of climate shocks.
In this context, aquaculture is emerging in 2026 as the new frontier of major economic opportunities for Zimbabwe. By addressing the tilapia deficit today through scientific research and knowledge, the country is strengthening its food sovereignty for the future.
