Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Herald Correspondent
The Government has unveiled a package of fiscal incentives including duty waivers, VAT exemptions and tax holidays, alongside facilitated access to land and water, as it moves to attract private capital into Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector.
The measures were outlined at the Aquaculture Investment Roundtable Meeting held in Harare, convened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in partnership with Chinhoyi University of Technology, FISH4ACP, the European union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Officiating at the meeting, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said the Government was determined to create an enabling environment that de-risks investment and accelerates growth in fish production.
“We are working with Treasury to put in place fiscal incentives such as duty waivers, VAT exemptions and tax holidays to make the aquaculture sector more attractive and competitive for investors,” said Prof Jiri.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is unwavering in its commitment to support potential investors. We will provide clear policy direction and regulatory certainty, facilitate access to land and water resources and ensure ease of doing business in this sub-sector.”
He said aquaculture has been identified as a strategic growth area under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with strong potential to contribute to food security, employment creation and export earnings.
Speaking at the same event, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla, said private sector participation was critical to unlocking the industry’s full potential.
“Zimbabwe has the water bodies, climate and market demand to make aquaculture a high-return sector,” he said.
A supportive policy and investment environment that protects investors and encourages innovation will be key to scaling production sustainably.”
Authorities say opportunities exist across the value chain, including hatcheries, feed production, cold storage, processing, logistics and exports, with fingerling demand currently outstripping local supply.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department director, Mr Milton Makumbe, said closing production gaps required coordinated public and private sector efforts.
“Current demand for fingerlings exceeds local production, which presents a clear investment opportunity. If we strengthen hatchery systems, expand feed manufacturing and improve cold chain infrastructure, the sector can grow rapidly and contribute significantly to rural incomes and national economic growth,” he said.
The Government believes that with targeted incentives, regulatory certainty and strong partnerships, aquaculture can evolve into a major driver of rural industrialisation and export-led growth.
Peter Tanyanyiwa