Introduction

With Africa’s population projected to surge from approximately 1.5 billion to around 2.5 billion by 2050, the demand for fish is poised to surpass current levels significantly. Consumption is anticipated to escalate from about 10 million tonnes per year presently to between 16 million and 29 million tonnes. However, overexploitation has limited the potential to increase wild catch, underscoring the urgent need for expanded fish farming production.

Current Statistics

About 40% of the fish consumed in Africa is imported, despite the continent possessing sufficient resources to support domestic production. Tilapia emerges as a key species in meeting Africa’s fish demand. Despite many tilapia species being native to sub-Saharan Africa, the region’s production lags behind global leaders such as Brazil, China, and Egypt.

It is estimated that tilapia production in sub-Saharan Africa stands at about 125,000-150,000 tonnes annually. At ISM Agrifarms, we recognize the immense potential for tilapia farming in the region. In fact, tilapia farms and hatcheries represent a significant portion of our investment focus, comprising approximately 40% of the total investment need and 50% of the opportunities in our pipeline.

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In addition to tilapia, catfish presents a promising avenue for the growth of sub-Saharan Africa’s aquaculture industry. While Nigeria dominates catfish production in the region, other nations like Ghana and Uganda are also witnessing significant growth in this sector. This underscores the diverse opportunities available within the aquaculture landscape.

When considering the most promising opportunities for aquaculture investments in Africa, our Africa lead for aquaculture investment firm, Fadoua Boudiba, identifies East Africa, particularly Kenya, as hosting numerous successful fish farming operations. However, despite this success, Kenya faces a significant deficit of about 300,000 tonnes of fish per annum. Nigeria, on the other hand, grapples with a deficit exceeding 500,000 tonnes.

Boudiba emphasizes the pivotal role of quality feed in ensuring the production of high-quality fish. While Kenya has government programs offering fish feed subsidies, their effectiveness is limited without proper education for farmers on best practices.

For inquiries, contact us at +254797968817 or via email at info@ismagrifarms.com.