Southern Province is endowed with vast water resources, making it one of the most promising regions for fisheries and aquaculture investment. With major water bodies such as Lake Kariba, Zambezi and Kafue Rivers, and several strategically located dams and wetlands, the province offers immense opportunities for both capture fisheries and fish farming.
The growing demand for fish, and government support for aquaculture makes the sector even more attractive for investment. With a national fish supply deficit of 45,000 metric tons, investment in sustainable fish farming, processing, and value addition presents lucrative opportunities. Key investment areas include:
Provide information on Fish species in southern Province production 5 year trend or current performance
KEY STATISTICS & INFORMATION
- Fish Supply Deficit:45,000 metric tons Zambia imports large quantities of fish, mainly from China. Investing in local production reduces foreign dependency and disease risks.
- Major Water Bodies: Lake Kariba, Kafue River, and Zambezi River provide an ideal environment for large-scale fish farming.
- High Demand for Fish Products: Fish remains a staple protein source, making local production highly profitable.
- Aquaculture Development: Increasing focus on fish farming parks, hatcheries, and feed production facilities.
COMPARATIVE & COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- Untapped Market Potential – The country faces a 45,000 metric ton supply gap, creating high demand for local fish production.
- Guaranteed Market – A growing population and increasing fish consumption ensure strong demand.
- Ideal Aquaculture Conditions – Southern Province’s rivers and lakes provide a natural advantage for large-scale fish farming.
- Government & Private Sector Support – Policies promoting aquaculture parks, fish hatcheries, and fish feed production ensure a favorable business climate.
- Value Addition Prospects – Investing in fish processing, freezing, and packaging plants enhances profitability
- Emerging Tourism Linkages – Sport fishing and eco-tourism development provide added revenue streams
- High Return on Investment – Value addition through fish processing and export markets enhances profitability.
FISHERIES SECTOR AREAS OF POTENTIAL INVESTMENT
- Commercial Fish Farming
- Tilapia & Catfish Production: High demand in domestic and regional markets.
- Cage & Pond Culture: Investment in large-scale aquaculture using Lake Kariba, Kafue River, and artificial ponds.
- Fish Feed Production
- Fish Feed Manufacturing: Mini feed production plants for sustainable fish farming.
- Demand for quality fish feed is rising, creating opportunities for local feed mills.
- Utilization of locally available ingredients (soya, maize, wheat bran) to reduce costs.
- Hatchery & Fingerling Production
- Establishment of hatcheries to supply quality fingerlings to fish farmers.
- Opportunity to partner with research institutions for genetic improvement and supply of high-quality fish breeds.
- Fish Processing & Value Addition
- Investment in fish smoking, drying, freezing, and packaging for local and export markets.
- Potential for fish oil and fishmeal production
- Supply Chain & Distribution
- Cold chain logistics and transportation to urban and regional markets.
- Establishment of fish markets and retail outlets.
- Eco-Tourism & Recreational Fishing
- Development of fishing lodges and angling tourism around Lake Kariba and Kafue River
- Establishing sport fishing centers along the Zambezi River