Key Business Points
- Invest in fish farming to increase Malawi’s fish production and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
- Take advantage of government initiatives, such as the Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management (SFAD-MW) Project, which aims to improve fish production and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Explore opportunities in the fish industry, particularly in processing and marketing, to capitalize on the growing demand for fish in Malawi.
Malawi’s fish industry is facing a significant challenge, with the country producing only 300,000 metric tonnes (mt) of fish annually, against a requirement of 700,000mt. This shortfall is forcing the country to import fish, a situation described as worrisome by Natural Resources and Climate Change Minister Owen Chomanika. The minister made the remarks during the launch of fish landing facilities at Kachulu along Lake Chilwa in Zomba, which was constructed at a cost of K300 million.
The fish landing site, which comprises a fish storeroom, washroom, fish processing and marketing shelter, is part of the government’s effort to improve fish production and reduce post-harvest losses. The government has constructed 15 fish landing sites to achieve this goal, and is also calling on people to embrace fish farming to increase fish production. Chomanika said that fish farming has the potential to stir up the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, sub-Traditional Authority Lamusi has asked the government to consider rehabilitating the Matawale-Kachulu road for easy transportation of fish to Limbe and Zomba City markets. Zomba District Council chairperson, Councillor Brazio Chinthenga, has assured that they will ensure tight security at the landing site and put bylaws in place to manage the facility. Lake Chilwa produces an average of 25,000mt of fish annually, highlighting the potential for growth in the industry.
As Malawi’s business community seeks to capitalize on investment opportunities, the fish industry presents a promising sector for growth. With the government’s initiatives and the potential for fish farming, there are opportunities for local entrepreneurs to explore the fish processing and marketing sectors. By investing in the fish industry, businesses can contribute to Malawi’s economic growth and help meet the country’s fish requirements.
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