Zimbabwe's first-ever fisheries and aquaculture bill on the cards

Harare, 6 May 2025 – With support from the global aquatic value chain development programme FISH4ACP, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in enacting its first-ever fisheries and aquaculture bill. The draft bill, which was recently validated by key stakeholders and is set to appear before parliament to be enacted into law, is poised to revolutionize the country's fish sector. 

The bill provides a framework for the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Zimbabwe, aiming to streamline business practices, facilitate investment and promote sector growth while contributing to food security. 

Consolidated feedback from country-wide consultations laid the foundation for the bill, which was drafted in close collaboration with Zimbabwe's Office of the Attorney-General and FAO legal experts. Special efforts were made to involve women and youth in the consultations, ensuring inclusive participation. 

“The bill provides a comprehensive and cohesive legislative framework which represents a critical turning point for Zimbabwe's fisheries and aquaculture sector. The development of the bill has been a collaborative effort, involving extensive multi-stakeholder consultations across the country,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe. 

The development of the bill was coordinated by FISH4ACP, an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which is working to strengthen the tilapia value chain in Zimbabwe. 

In 2022, FISH4ACP conducted an aquaculture value chain analysis, identifying policy and legal framework as a necessary accelerator to unlock Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector. 

“This bill is a game-changer, streamlining regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and driving growth in the industry. I am confident that we can unlock new opportunities for economic development, food security, and job creation,” said Milton Makumbe, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. 

Jobst von Kirchmann, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, noted how the development of breeding centers, fingerling hubs and new legislation is transforming Zimbabwe's fisheries and aquaculture sector. 

"These milestones lay the groundwork for an inclusive and sustainable fish value chain that can unlock millions in added value, create decent jobs — especially for women and youth—and contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic resilience,” said the ambassador. “With this new bill and a clear vision for 14 000 tonnes of farmed tilapia and USD 22 million in annual value by 2032, Zimbabwe is laying the foundations for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.” 

The bill is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s ambition to develop a USD 1 billion fish economy by fully utilizing the country's available water resources to help fight hunger and malnutrition. 

“This bill can safeguard the future of Zimbabwe’s fish farmers,” said fish farmer Loraine Motsi. “It preserves the integrity of the supply chain from fingerlings to feed, enabling farmers to produce high-quality fish and build a thriving aquaculture industry that benefits our entire nation.”