Zimbabwe’s first-ever fisheries and aquaculture bill on the cards
Fish farmers at a pond close to their homestead
©FAO
Harare – Thanks to the global aquatic value chain development program FISH4ACP, Zimbabwe has taken a major step forward by introducing its inaugural Fisheries and Aquaculture bill. This groundbreaking piece of legislation aims to transform the nation's fisheries and aquaculture industry.
The creation of the bill was managed by FISH4ACP, which is an OACPS program executed by FAO with financial support from the EU and BMZ.
"The legislation offers an all-encompassing and unified legal structure that marks a significant shift for Zimbabwe's fishing and fish farming industry. This bill was developed under the FAO's FISH4ACP program and involved substantial collaboration with numerous stakeholders nationwide," stated Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.
Significant efforts were directed towards involving women and young people to ensure broad inclusion. The comprehensive input gathered from nationwide discussions formed the basis of the initial draft prepared through detailed talks with the Attorney General’s team and specialists at the FAO.
In 2022, FISH4ACP carried out an evaluation of the aquaculture value chains, highlighting that the improvement of policies and legal frameworks is crucial for boosting Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry.
"This legislation represents a significant shift, simplifying rules, encouraging environmentally friendly methods, and fostering expansion within the sector. I believe this will pave the way for fresh possibilities in economic progress, ensuring food stability, and generating employment," stated Milton Makumbe, who leads the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The European Union takes pride in witnessing the significant advancements in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry thanks to our assistance via the FISH4ACP program. This initiative has facilitated substantial developments ranging from stringent legislative frameworks to the establishment of breeding centers and fingerling distribution points. Such achievements pave the way for a comprehensive and eco-friendly fish supply network capable of generating considerable economic benefits, fostering quality employment opportunities—particularly among women and young people—and significantly enhancing national food stability and financial durability,” stated Jobst von Kirchmann, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
“With this new Bill and a clear vision for 14,000 tonnes of farmed tilapia and USD 22 million in annual value by 2032, Zimbabwe is laying the foundations for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy,” added the Ambassador.
At a recent workshop, the draft was reviewed and validated by key stakeholders. It is now ready to be put before parliament and enacted into law.
This legislation has the potential to secure the future for Zimbabwe's fish farmers," stated Loraine Motsi, who attended the workshop as a farmer. "By maintaining the integrity of the supply chain—from fry to feed—it allows farmers to cultivate top-notch fish and foster a prosperous aquaculture sector that positively impacts our whole country.
The bill is crucial for Zimbabwe’s aim to build a $1 billion fish industry by leveraging its available water resources entirely, with the objective of combating hunger and malnutrition.
This initiative will enhance the simplicity of conducting business within the fishing sector and encourage investments into the aquaculture supply chain. According to the FISH4ACP value chain analysis, this segment presently contributes an additional value of $22 million.
The FAO has taken the lead in advancing aquaculture by offering technical assistance for setting up and restoring three breeding centers and two fingerling distribution hubs in Zimbabwe. These facilities are intended to encourage the adoption of superior genetic practices within the aquaculture industry.
FISH4ACP is a five-year program (2020-2025) initiated by the OACPS aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. This project intends to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of twelve fishery and aquaculture supply chains across twelve participating OACPS nations. The aim is to ensure that advancements economically benefit all stakeholders without compromising ecological health or social equity. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting small and medium enterprises due to their capacity to generate significant economic and societal advantages, notably benefiting women and young people.
The Nile tilapia farming sector in Zimbabwe was among the 12 value chains chosen out of more than 70 global submissions for assistance through the FISH4ACP program.
Source: Zimbabwe’s inaugural fisheries and aquaculture bill is in the works.
