Zimbabwe has taken a significant step toward revolutionizing its fisheries and aquaculture sector with the passage of its first-ever Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill. Supported by the FISH4ACP program, this landmark legislation promises to reshape the industry, providing a clear and structured framework for its future growth.
The bill’s development was led by the FISH4ACP initiative, a project of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with backing from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
FAO’s Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, described the bill as a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry. “This legislation represents a critical turning point, offering a comprehensive and unified framework that will guide the sector toward sustainable growth,” he said, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder consultations in shaping the bill.
In line with global efforts to enhance inclusivity, the bill also ensures active participation from women and youth in the sector. A nationwide consultation process laid the groundwork for the bill, with contributions from various stakeholders, culminating in a draft that was developed in close cooperation with the Attorney General’s office and legal experts from FAO.
The push for stronger regulatory and legal frameworks comes after FISH4ACP’s 2022 aquaculture value chain analysis, which identified key barriers to growth in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector.
Milton Makumbe, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, welcomed the bill, stating, “It streamlines regulations and fosters sustainable practices, creating fresh opportunities for economic development, food security, and employment.”
The EU’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, praised the impact of FISH4ACP’s efforts, noting the program’s role in driving progress. He highlighted the creation of breeding centers and fingerling hubs as key steps toward building a resilient fish value chain. “These developments lay the foundation for a sustainable industry that generates jobs, especially for women and youth, and strengthens national food security,” he stated.
By 2032, Zimbabwe aims to produce 14,000 tonnes of farmed tilapia, generating USD 22 million in annual value. The bill positions the country to achieve these ambitious targets while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.
At a recent workshop, stakeholders reviewed and validated the draft bill, which is now set to be presented to Zimbabwe’s parliament for formal approval. Loraine Motsi, a local aquaculture farmer, stressed the bill’s importance in safeguarding the future of fish farming in Zimbabwe, highlighting its potential to ensure high-quality fish production from start to finish.
This legislation is also central to Zimbabwe’s broader goal of building a USD 1 billion fish economy, leveraging the country’s water resources to fight hunger and malnutrition while fostering economic growth.
The bill is expected to enhance the ease of doing business within the aquaculture sector, driving investment and promoting sustainability in the fish industry. As noted in the FISH4ACP value chain study, the sector currently adds USD 22 million in value to the economy.
FAO has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s aquaculture development, supporting the establishment and rehabilitation of breeding centers and fingerling distribution hubs, which are essential for advancing genetic quality in the sector.
FISH4ACP, a five-year program running from 2020 to 2025, is designed to support sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development across twelve OACPS countries. The program aims to increase productivity and competitiveness in fisheries value chains while promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion, with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those benefiting women and youth.
Zimbabwe’s Nile tilapia aquaculture value chain is one of twelve globally selected for support under the FISH4ACP program, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable aquaculture.