Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Reporter
A STRATEGIC partnership between local company Fin Fish Suppliers and Danish feed producer Aller Aqua is set to accelerate
Zimbabwe’s ambition of building a US$1 billion aquaculture industry, in line with the Government’s Vision 2030 and the
Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
The partnership, announced last week, aligns with the Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme— a national programme
aimed at making fish farming a key pillar of rural development, nutrition, and economic growth.
Aller Aqua, founded in 1964, is one of Europe’s largest fish feed manufacturers, operating seven major plants across Denmark,
Poland, Germany, Egypt, China, Zambia and Serbia.
Its collaboration with Fin Fish Suppliers will introduce advanced feed technologies that enhance fish growth rates, ensure
consistent sizes and improve feed conversion ratios (FCR)—a critical factor in boosting productivity and profitability for
Zimbabwean fish farmers.
In a statement, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, hailed the
development as a model of public-private cooperation in driving agricultural transformation.
“This partnership reflects the kind of innovation and investment the government is encouraging to transform aquaculture into a
viable enterprise for Zimbabweans,” he said.
“It demonstrates how collaboration with international partners can strengthen local value chains, improve feed efficiency and
make fish farming more profitable and sustainable.”
The deal is also expected to complement the Government’s ease of doing business reforms, which aim to reduce barriers for
new entrants in the aquaculture sector and formalise value chain activities.
Fin Fish Suppliers Director, Mr Tinashe Chihota, said the company would work closely with government agencies and local
farmers to ensure the distribution of high-quality fish feed across the country.
“Through this partnership, we are ensuring that every farmer—from large-scale producers to small community-based
cooperatives—has access to reliable, tested feed that meets international standards,” Mr Chihota said.
“We are not just improving production; we are contributing to rural development, job creation and food security.”
Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has been identified as one of the fastest-growing segments in the agricultural
economy, with potential to significantly contribute to export earnings and nutritional improvement, particularly in protein-
deficient rural communities.
According to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department (FARD), the collaboration will “create new
employment opportunities, support emerging fish farmers and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in regional trade.”
Experts note that the country’s abundant water bodies—spanning dams, rivers and reservoirs—provide a strong foundation for
expanding commercial aquaculture if coupled with modern feed and production technologies.
As Zimbabwe continues to unlock the potential of its aquatic resources, partnerships like that between Fin Fish Suppliers and
Aller Aqua are expected to play a vital role in driving inclusive growth, enhancing food security, and ensuring sustainable
livelihoods for thousands of rural households.
“This is not just a business deal—it is part of a broader national effort to make aquaculture a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s
agricultural transformation,” said Deputy Minister Marapira.
