SADC and WorldFish Equip Malawi with Hatchery Technology to Boost Aquaculture
On July 22, 2024, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and WorldFish, under the PROFISHBLUE Project, handed over state-of-the-art fish hatchery equipment to Malawi at the National Aquaculture Centre (NAC) in Domasi.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve fisheries governance and promote blue economy trade corridors in the SADC region.
Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the PROFISHBLUE Project spans seven SADC Member States: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The project focuses on genetic improvement and aquaculture programs, with WorldFish facilitating the procurement of essential hatchery equipment. This includes industrial pressure washers, water and fish tanks, water heaters, and submersible drainage pumps.
Dr. Motseki Hlatshwayo, Technical Advisor on Fisheries at the SADC Secretariat and PROFISHBLUE Project Manager, praised WorldFish for their support.
He highlighted the benefits of the equipment in boosting fish production, particularly for Shire tilapia, a key species in the region. Identified as a priority under the SADC Regional Fish Genetic Improvement Programme in 2017, this species stands to gain significantly from the new equipment.
Mr. Joseph Magwira, Director of Administration in Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from SADC and WorldFish.
He noted that this initiative aligns with Malawi’s Development Agenda 2063, which aims to diversify products, add value to exports, and enhance overall competitiveness.
Dr. Victor Siamudaala, Country Director for Southern Africa at WorldFish, underscored the equipment’s role in enhancing aquaculture productivity and stimulating the Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) for indigenous tilapia.
He also emphasized the potential for job creation and business opportunities across the aquaculture value chain in the region.
The handover ceremony saw attendance from representatives of eleven SADC Member States, CCARDESA, academia, and the private aquaculture sector. The equipment will not only benefit Malawi but also serve as a regional resource for research and training.
In February 2024, SADC, through the PROFISHBLUE Project, also delivered equipment to the SADC Senga Bay Fisheries Research Station in Salima, enhancing fisheries management and promoting the blue economy.
Source: SADC
