My Fish Tanzania is the largest fish farming operation In Tanzania.  Mpanju Elpidius started his small investment, which has become one of the most significant operating sectors in Tanzania’s fish sector. The monthly market size of the fish is more than 20 tonnes. Other stories – like a woman who turned her misfortune into good luck with effort and dedication – with the journey of fish farming.  These and other inspiring stories are growing and motivating others who want to take new initiatives in Tazania’s aquaculture.

Furthermore, Tanzania is a widely famous and accepted designation for investors; this aquaculture industry is already furnished. Though everything has its seatbacks, the same goes for Tanzania’s fish industry, which faces some problems. However, farmers and others are very optimistic about preventing the problem from being helped by new investors. They are waiting for the latest innovations and projects and want to participate.

Economic Contributions: The fish farming industry employs over 180,000 people, contributes significantly to Tanzania’s GDP, and offers export opportunities to markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Farmers’ Aspirations: Farmers want better access to inputs, technical training, financial credit, and reliable markets to enhance their productivity and profitability.

Global Export Potential: In 2023, Tanzania exported $2.48 million of fresh or chilled fish, with the Netherlands, Italy, and the USA leading export destinations.

Figure: Villagers sell fish on the shore of Lake Victoria in Mwanza region, Tanzania

A farmer from Tanzania has been working in his fisheries for 10 years. He expressed his feelings and thoughts: “ We are hoping for the increasing growth of the fish industry. We are very positive about the impact of fish farming on our communities and improved livelihoods. Others and I are excited about adopting new technologies and techniques to enhance productivity and sustainability.”

Tanzania’s fish sector has already shown notable growth in recent years. Aquaculture production was 16,852 in 2018, which increased to 120,621 metric tons in 2022.   The rapid growth aims to expand the fish industry and establish Tanzania as a leading fish-producing country.

The country is a favorite destination for its favorable climate and supportive government policies. They have a variety of fish species for consumption. Tanzania also has freshwater  Fish and marine fish. From the freshwater they have Tilapia.

Tilapia is generally cultivated and consumed by people in most of the country. Nile Perc is a common fish in Lake Victoria and other big bodies of water. Catfish are commonly found and enjoyed in rivers and lakes for their tender texture.  Sardines are tiny fish common in Lake Victoria but are usually dried and consumed like other staple foods. Additionally, many different species are collected from Lake Victoria.

From the Saltwater Fish, they have Tuna, which is found in the Indian Ocean. Tuna is a highly preferred species due to its high protein content. Red Snapper is generally available along the coasts and is highly consumed because of its taste. Grouper is available from both coastal and deep waters. Barracuda is commonly caught by artisanal fishermen and sold in local open markets. Mackerel is generally an ocean fish that is nutritious and tasty.

Though Tanzanian fish farmers have many advantages, the industry still faces a market gap and challenges. Investors can help bridge the gap with innovative solutions in this sector. Fish farmers face challenges in fish farming, and an estimated market gap of  480,000 tons exists. By addressing these challenges, investors can substantially enhance local aquaculture production.

Tanzania’s fish farmers have faced several challenges, impacting their economy and livelihoods while reducing productivity. Such as- 

There is a lack of adequate, low-cost fish feed and seeds. Good-quality fish feed and seeds are often scarce and too expensive, so farmers barely endure such costs.

Inadequate supply of appropriate water is very challenging in most areas to operate, especially in the dry season.

Most farmers lack the technological capacity to produce better crops, feed, and appropriate pond management techniques. Moreover, they have little knowledge of how to operate these technological devices. 

The lack of improved farming equipment restricts the level of productivity and efficiency.

Fish farmers hardly have access to reliable markets for their produce. Their inaccessibility to financial facilities makes it difficult for them to invest in and expand their farms.

The fish farmers want to solve their problems. In their daily lives, they want to address the issues that prevent them from increasing their productivity. 

Farmers want better access to high-quality, reasonably priced fish feed and seeds for sustainable farming.

Most farmers have desired more technical training and support to complement their farming skills and increase yields.

Many farmers requested access to credit and other financial facilities, saying that most suffer from insufficient capital to expand their ventures.

Farmers also demand access to reliable markets for their produce at fair prices. This will also involve improved infrastructure and links with both domestic and international buyers.

Besides, they want to create more successful stories like others with the help of investors. As this industry is already promising, small-scale farmers wish to become more solvent. They want to build a community with someone’s help who will create new opportunities for them. 

Local farmers want to create stories like Elpidius Mpanju or Elizabeth Mathias. My Fish Tanzania Company story is Elpidius Mpanju’s, which now supplies around 1,000,000 fingerlings monthly. Another story is Elizabeth Mathias’s resilience- she faced many challenges and did not stop her hard work. The venture wasn’t so lucky; she did not give up after being destroyed by her husband. Bishop Sawuel Kitula helped her get her second kick-start into fish farming; today, she is among successful fish farmers.

Investors should consider participating in these inspiring journeys. So, they can be a part of this potential growth of fish farming that drives economic growth. Fish farming provides food security and creates employment. Additionally, as the farmers desire to work on new projects, it will be a good move for investors.

Tanzania’s freshwater fish production reached about 473,000 metric tons in 2020. In 2023, Tanzania exported about $2.48 million of fresh or chilled fish. 

More than 180,000 people are employed within the fisheries area, and about 19,000 are engaged in fish farming.

Present fish production is approximately 376,000 metric in a year. 97 percent of this amount comes from small-scale fisheries, with the rest from large-scale commercial fishing. 

Aquaculture produces an additional 10,317 tons, including 450 tons of seaweed. Despite its vast potential. It has been predicted that this sector is largely untapped. Presently, around 21,300 fishponds are used for aquaculture. The leading export destinations in recent years are – the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada, Kenya, and the USA.

Success stories abound in Tanzania’s aquaculture development, with persons like Elpidius Mpanju and Elizabeth Mathias. Fish farming in Tanzania consistently contributes significantly to livelihoods and food security. However, this development is hampered by much, including limited resources and market access, making investment by the investor indispensable.

However, enthusiastic farmers are hoping for investment that can trigger more success stories that create jobs, drive economic growth, and unlock the untapped potential of Tanzania’s fishing industry. Be part of Tanzania’s next wave of aquaculture growth and innovation.