EU and Germany support Zimbabwe's US$2.37 billion aquaculture growth plan
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
The European Union and Germany are increasing their support for Zimbabwe's aquaculture sector through a €207 million facility aimed at sustainable agricultural value chains. This initiative aligns with the EU's Team Europe and Global Gateway strategies. The aquaculture industry in Zimbabwe is projected to reach US$2.37 billion by 2030, a revised estimate from an earlier US$1 billion, following a National Aquaculture Frame Survey conducted since 2024. EU Head of Cooperation Anna Cichocka highlighted aquaculture's potential to link food security and rural livelihoods with private sector development. Part of the funding will also support the FISH4ACP program, a joint EU and German initiative promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture value chains in African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. Agriculture Permanent Secretary Prof Obert Jiri stated the government's goal to increase fish production from 35,515 tonnes last year to 60,000 tonnes by 2030, a 69% rise under the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2. Opportunities for investment include hatchery development, feed production, cold chain systems, processing facilities, and market infrastructure. Despite growing domestic demand, Zimbabwe imports significant volumes of fish, indicating market opportunities. The government's rollout of 35,000 Village and School Business Units is already boosting aquaculture activity in rural areas. Dr Patrice Talla, Food and Agriculture Organization Subregional Coor
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