Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE’S aquaculture sector is set for a major technological upgrade following Government’s backing of the importation of modern Danish fish farming equipment, a move expected to accelerate fish production and support the country’s drive to attain fish self-sufficiency and build a US$1 billion fisheries industry.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development has endorsed Fin Fish Suppliers’ application for an import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on a full cage fish farming system valued at US$37 701.40 to be imported from Denmark.
In a letter to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion seen by Zimpapers reporters, Agriculture Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the investment aligns with Government’s strategy to expand aquaculture and strengthen food and nutrition security.
He said fish farming had become a strategic pillar for Zimbabwe’s economic revival.
“As you may be aware, fish farming is a strategic pillar for Zimbabwe’s economic revival, food and nutrition security,” said Prof Jiri.
“By diversifying agricultural exports, curbing malnutrition and creating rural employment, the sector directly aligns with national growth targets.”
In the letter, Prof Jiri said Zimbabwe’s aquaculture industry was still developing and required targeted support to unlock its full potential.
He said exempting the imported equipment from duty and VAT would lower the high capital costs associated with commercial fish farming, making the industry more accessible while stimulating investment.
“The equipment is a long-term investment that comes with ripple effects including job creation, increased fish production and support for national food and nutrition security,” he said.
The ministry said the project, to be implemented by Fin Fish Suppliers in Lake Kariba South, Binga District, has the capacity to produce up to 7 200 tonnes of fish annually.
It said the investment supports the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy, the Zimbabwe Tilapia Value Chain Market Strategy and the transboundary Lake Kariba Blue Economy Strategy.
Responding to questions from Zimpapers, Fin Fish Suppliers director Mr Tinashe Chihota confirmed the authenticity of the ministry’s letter and said the company had already taken delivery of the Danish cage system, which will soon be floated in Binga.
“We can confirm that the letter is authentic and we have already received the cage system. The next stage is to float it in Binga as we move into commercial production,” he said.
Mr Chihota said he appreciated Government’s continued support for young entrepreneurs venturing into aquaculture, saying the enabling policy environment was giving youth-owned businesses confidence to invest in large-scale fish production.
“We sincerely appreciate how Government is supporting and empowering youth fish farmers. Such interventions lower investment costs and encourage young Zimbabweans to participate in the blue economy,” he said.
He said besides investing in cage fish production, Fin Fish Suppliers recently received another consignment of premium European Union-certified Aller Aqua fish feed from Denmark to ensure farmers have access to high-quality feed.
Mr Chihota said the feed delivers an average feed conversion ratio of below 1.4, allowing farmers to reduce production costs by about 30 percent while achieving faster fish growth.
Looking ahead, he said the company was eager to see the establishment of the planned cold-chain facility under Government and development partner support, saying it would strengthen fish marketing and reduce post-harvest losses.
“We are looking forward to the establishment of the cold-chain facility as Government and its development partners work towards increasing national fish production to 60 000 tonnes and achieving self-sufficiency,” he said.
