Africa's aquaculture sector is experiencing a genuine blue revolution, with farmed fish production growing at 12 percent annually and reaching approximately 2.4 million tonnes in 2023. Egypt leads with approximately 1.6 million tonnes, making it Africa's dominant aquaculture nation and a significant exporter of shrimp and tilapia to Arab markets. Nigeria's catfish and tilapia sector, centred on Lagos and the Niger Delta, has grown to approximately 300,000 tonnes. Uganda's cage culture in Lake Victoria and ponds in the Western Region produce tilapia for both domestic consumption and export to regional markets.
Export Market Development
East African farmed tilapia is increasingly exported to the Middle East and European markets, competing with Asian tilapia on quality rather than price. Zambia's Lake Kariba tilapia cage culture is exporting to DRC and Zimbabwe. Several investment firms including Phatisa and TLcom Capital have backed African aquaculture ventures. IFC financing is available for qualifying aquaculture investments meeting environmental and social standards. Aquaculture investors and seafood buyers can access African sector contacts on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.