
By Conrad Mwanawashe
Zimbabwe’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department (FARD) is poised for a busy 2025 with an “exciting lineup of initiatives” that are expected to further propel the growth and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
These initiatives include stakeholder consultations for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, comprehensive legislation which aims to provide a framework for the management and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The bill seeks to address several key issues, including the need for a sound and enabling legal framework to attract investors and promote growth in the sector.
Currently, the regulatory framework is fragmented, and compliance costs are high for farmers and investors.
The new bill will bring all regulations on aquaculture and fisheries production under one roof, making it easier to do business in Zimbabwe.
FARD Director, Milton Makumbe, said in an exclusive interview the department will also launch a comprehensive research programme, in collaboration with partners, that will focus on addressing the specific needs of the sector, including improving fish genetics, nutrition, and developing more efficient aquaculture systems.
“2025 promises to be an exciting year for the department, with a range of initiatives that will support the growth and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector,” said Makumbe.
On Zimbabwe’s ambitious target of producing 60,000MT of fish annually by 2026, Makumbe said while significant progress has been made, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done to reach this target.

In 2024, the country produced 31,161MT of fish, which is a notable increase from previous years.
“This year, I am optimistic that we will make significant strides towards achieving our target. The target stands at 40,000MT tonnes for 2025.
Government is implementing several initiatives to support the growth of the fisheries sector, including the development of fish ponds, commercial cage farming, and the promotion of sustainable fisheries practices.
“One of the key initiatives that will help us achieve our target is the removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) for fish and fish products.
“This policy change will have a positive impact on the sector, making it more competitive and increasing our chances of reaching the 2026 target.
“Additionally, our initiatives that promote decentralization of fingerlings for access will also play a crucial role in increasing fish production. By supporting more players in the sector, we can increase the overall production of fish, bringing us closer to our target,” said Makumbe.
The capture fisheries sector, particularly the dam stocking programme, is expected to contribute significantly to the department’s efforts to reach the 2026 target.
“The programme’s focus on sustainable fisheries practices will help to ensure that the fisheries resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
“While there is still much work to be done, I am confident that with the implementation of these initiatives, we will make significant progress towards achieving our target of producing 60,000MT of fish annually by 2026,” added Makumbe.
Last year five fishponds, comprising two breeding ponds measuring 22m x 12m and three resting ponds measuring 22m x 22m were successfully constructed in Makoholi Fisheries Unit. These ponds have an annual production capacity of at least 3,564,000 high-quality fingerlings
Six fishponds, comprising two breeding ponds measuring 22m x 12m and four resting ponds measuring 22m x 22m are under construction in Matopos Fisheries Unit. These ponds have an annual production capacity of at least 5,000,000 high-quality fingerlings.
“While the fisheries and aquaculture sector is still in its infancy stages in Zimbabwe, the department’s programmes have sparked exponential growth and development in the sector over the past two years.
Collaboration with the private sector has led to a 25% increase in production units and a significant rise in annual national tonnage, reaching 31,161MT in 2024. The capacitation of 33 Youth Business Units and 1,296 Village Business Units, which cater to at least 21% of women in aquaculture, has been particularly noteworthy.
“A remarkable example of the programme’s success can be seen in Mudzi District, where the Pathfinders Club has expanded its activities from aquaculture, catering to more ponds and increased production, as a self-driven initiative,” said Makumbe.
Watch out for the full FARD Director, Milton Makumbe interview in the upcoming Maricho Magazine January 2025 edition.