By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, January 13, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources & Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, has called for intensified efforts and investments in aquaculture, emphasizing its critical role in achieving the Malawi 2063 development agenda.

Speaking at the Aquaculture Investment Forum, hosted by the Department of Fisheries at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) on Thursday, the Minister expressed concern over the declining state of fish production in the country.

“Fish has become a luxury for many Malawians, which is sad because fish was one of the affordable sources of protein just a few years ago. Our aquaculture sector currently produces around 10,000 metric tons of fish annually, but our target is to achieve 100,000 metric tons by 2030,” Chomanika stated.

He stressed the need to prioritize industries like aquaculture to bolster the country’s economic growth, highlighting the sector’s potential to address food security and improve livelihoods.

“The status of the aquaculture industry is not a good one. We need to investment in this sector,” Chomanika said, appealing to development partners to support Malawi’s aquaculture ambitions.

Dr. Zewdy Gebremedhin of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), representing the donor community, expressed their willingness to collaborate and help revitalize the sector.

The forum also featured notable speakers, including, Mr. Napoleon Dzombe, Mtalimanja Holdings, Mr. Paul Kwengwere, Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), Mr. Alfred Tsitsi, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Malawi.

Under the theme “Harnessing Aquaculture Potential for Sustainable Livelihoods and National Economic Growth in Malawi,” the forum explored strategies to strengthen the sector, enhance production, and attract both local and international investments.

The event highlighted aquaculture’s potential as a key driver for Malawi’s sustainable development and economic resilience.