Published: 19 hours ago

The European Union and Germany have significantly expanded support for Zimbabwe's aquaculture sector, backing a major €207 million programme aimed at strengthening sustainable agricultural value chains and boosting fish production across the country.

The initiative, driven under the EU's Team Europe and Global Gateway strategies, is expected to accelerate growth in fish farming, crocodile production, and other aquatic enterprises. EU Head of Cooperation Anna Cichocka said aquaculture is increasingly seen as a sector that links food security with rural economic development.

Part of the funding will support the FISH4ACP programme, a joint EU–Germany initiative already active in Zimbabwe, which promotes sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

On the government side, Agriculture Permanent Secretary Prof Obert Jiri said Zimbabwe is targeting a major increase in fish production-from about 35,515 tonnes last year to 60,000 tonnes by 2030, a projected 69% rise under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2.

He noted that with improved investment in hatcheries, feed production, cold storage, processing, and market infrastructure, the country could even exceed that target.

Officials also highlighted that Zimbabwe still imports large volumes of fish despite rising local demand, creating a clear opportunity for import substitution. The rollout of 35,000 Village and School Business Units is already expanding small-scale aquaculture activity in rural communities.

FAO representatives described aquaculture as a scalable solution to food security challenges, particularly because it can generate employment while supporting women and youth participation in rural economies.
- Newsday

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