SADC Member States Applauded for Advancing Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened a dissemination event in Lusaka to highlight progress under the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors (PROFISHBLUE Project). The event provided a platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and review the project’s achievements as it nears completion.
Speaking on behalf of Dr Max Mudenda Choombe, Permanent Secretary for Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Mr Success Mubanga, Director of Policy, Planning and Information, praised SADC Member States for their efforts in enhancing food and nutrition security, generating employment, and promoting intra-regional trade through fisheries and aquaculture.
He noted that the PROFISHBLUE Project aims to expand beneficiaries in fish value chains from 1.5 to 2 million people and increase cross-border fish trade from 150,000 to 250,000 metric tons, calling for sustained commitment to achieve these targets.
Mr Mubanga highlighted Zambia’s gains under the project, including a genetic improvement programme for Oreochromis andersonii, piloting one-stop border posts, establishing resilient information systems, and enhancing nutritional outcomes through increased access to fish. The provision of equipment, including a refrigerated truck, was cited as a tangible contribution.
Representing Madagascar as Chair of SADC, Dr Andriantsilavo Jean Michel Rabary, Director of Blue Economy, emphasised SADC’s role in regional integration, bringing together governments, communities, and development partners to achieve synergies. He called on beneficiaries, including fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and community organisations, to ensure the project’s sustainability through ownership and good practices.
Mr Domingos Gove, SADC Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, reported an 11 percent increase in fisheries and aquaculture production within one year, signalling positive growth. Key achievements include regional genetic improvement programmes for tilapia, improved surveillance against illegal fishing, enhanced regional standards, SME empowerment, and strengthened institutional capacities.
Mr Gove reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to supporting Member States by integrating innovations into national frameworks, facilitating dialogue, fostering partnerships, and mobilising resources. He urged countries to leverage financing opportunities, such as those from the African Development Bank, to sustain progress and address the 20 percent regional food insecurity gap.
The event featured discussions on transboundary fisheries governance, genetic resources management, policy harmonisation for trade, and regional fisheries networks, alongside a presentation of the successor programme for sustainable marine fisheries in the SADC region.
Launched in October 2021 with an US$8.3 million grant from the African Development Bank, the PROFISHBLUE Project targets ADF countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The initiative is implemented by the SADC Secretariat in partnership with ARSO, FAO, UNIDO, WorldFish, and WWF. The dissemination event brought together representatives from SADC, Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries, ADF and Benguela Current Convention countries, AWFISHNET chapters, and implementing partners including GIZ.
