Fisheries Programme Boosts Trade and Jobs in 16 SADC Countries
A major fisheries initiative funded by the African Development Bank Group is reshaping livelihoods across Southern Africa, with nearly three million people now benefitting from improved fish production, higher incomes, and more resilient aquatic food systems.
The Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors (PROFISHBLUE) has generated more than 500,000 tonnes of cross-border fish trade over the past four years. Operating across 16 SADC member states, the $9.2 million initiative has strengthened regional value chains, boosted food security, and created new economic opportunities.
Implemented in seven African Development Fund countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the programme has built the capacity of over 250,000 beneficiaries. Support has included training, technology transfer, and the provision of fish quality assurance equipment and refrigerated vehicles.
Training programmes covered fish value chain development, business growth and SME incubation, genetic improvement of tilapia species, standards harmonisation, nutrition, product development, and blue economy investment planning.
PROFISHBLUE has also enhanced fisheries governance through transboundary fish stock assessments, vessel monitoring systems to curb illegal fishing, and improved data collection on fish catches. These interventions are helping countries protect their resources while supporting sustainable growth.
The programme’s achievements were highlighted during the 2025 World Fisheries Day celebrations held on 21 November in Gaborone. Representatives from SADC, the African Development Bank Group, governments, and development partners gathered to showcase progress and reflect on the initiative’s contribution to regional development since 2022.
Speaking on behalf of SADC Deputy Secretary for Regional Integration Angele Makombo Ntumba, Director Domingos Gove commended the support from the African Development Bank Group. He said the initiative had demonstrated the region’s capacity to strengthen aquatic food systems for the benefit of more than 380 million people.
Neeraj Vij, the Bank’s Regional Sector Manager for Feed Africa Operations in Southern Africa, emphasised the global significance of aquatic-based food systems. He noted that nearly three billion people depend on aquatic food supply chains, which contribute approximately $300 billion annually to the global economy.
He said PROFISHBLUE showed how strategic investment in fisheries governance could deliver competitive value chains and reduce poverty, especially in rural communities.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, and civil society organisations, creating a platform for collaboration and learning. Botswana’s Director of Fisheries and Apiculture, Kagisanyo Bedi, praised the programme for fostering regional knowledge exchange and strengthening cooperation.
The celebrations also featured testimonials from women in fisheries whose livelihoods have been improved through the programme. Tanzanian seaweed farmer Hifadhi Hai spoke about the opportunity to pilot new technologies, while Malawian fish processor Tamala Mtambo expressed appreciation for support that had helped her cooperative turn fish processing into progress.
With its community-centred approach and strong governance focus, PROFISHBLUE is emerging as a model for sustainable fisheries development. Its impact continues to support regional integration, strengthen value chains, and enhance resilience across Southern Africa’s blue economy.
