Participants pose for a group photo during the FISH4ACP digital innovation training on the Digital Marketplace for Lake Tanganyika Fishery Communities. ©FAO

Over 140 small-scale fishers, processors, traders, exporters and transporters from Lake Tanganyika communities were trained in marketing and selling their products online using the TanFishMarket digital platform during a two-day training in Kigoma Urban.

Organized by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and NMB Bank, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organizaion of the United Nations (FAO) through the European Union (EU) funded FISH4ACP project, the training aimed to equip artisanal fishers with digital tools to improve market access, boost incomes and participatation in the digital economy.

Opening the event, the NMB Bank Kigoma Branch Manager underscored the role of digital finance in unlocking economic opportunities for small-scale fisheries.

Led by Prof. Abdi Abdalla, a digital innovation and fisheries expert from UDSM, participants received hands-on training in smartphone use, account setup, product listing, pricing, order processing, and customer engagement on TanFishMarket. Sessions also covered mobile financial services, product quality, digital ethics and compliance with environmental and legal standards.

Prof. Abdalla highlighted that while mobile use is growing in Tanzania, digital literacy remains a barrier. “Bringing practical, user-friendly digital education to communities is key,” he said. “With platforms like TanFishMarket, fishers can access better prices, connect with buyers, and build more resilient businesses.”

The TanFishMarket platform, developed under the FISH4ACP upgrading strategy, reduces reliance on middlemen, improves transparency and traceability and supports income stability for artisanal fishers. It aligns with FAO's blue transformation strategy (2022) and roadmap of digital transformation; both aiming to modernize Tanzania’s fisheries sector and expand market access in food-insecure regions. The platform also marks a significant step toward a digitally inclusive and sustainable blue economy, supporting Tanzania’s Blue Economy Vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

The FISH4ACP Project Coordinator Hashim Muumin noted the growing reach of high-quality fish products thanks to improved processing, cold chain facilities and digital tools noting that “The project is at its peak, ensuring that high-quality fish products, processed through improved techniques and cold chain facilities, are reaching consumers across Tanzania and beyond." "This effort is part of the FISH4ACP upgrading strategy to address challenges faced by stakeholders in the Lake Tanganyika fisheries value chain,” he said.

Participants from Kigoma District, Uvinza, Kigoma Rural, and Kigoma Ujiji received training in Kiswahili through interactive sessions featuring live demos, peer mentoring, and real-life simulations. “We used to struggle to sell our fish beyond our neighborhood,” said Mama Jetu from Katonga village. “Now, we’re better equipped to reach more customers and improve our income.”

At the close of the training, participants formed Digital Champions Circles to support continued learning and onboarding in their communities. They also called for refresher sessions, digital materials, and technical support. Additional training is planned in Tanganyika DC, Nkasi DC, and Kalambo by the end of August 2025, extending the program across the Lake Tanganyika corridor.