The Sector’s Potential
Mozambique has enormous potential in the aquaculture sector, with a total production capacity estimated at around 4,000,000 tons per year. This potential includes approximately 2,000,000 tons for the production of fish in inland waters and another 2,000,000 tons for the production of marine species. The total production area is estimated at 378,000 hectares, with around 258,000 hectares dedicated to inland aquaculture and 120,000 hectares to marine aquaculture.
Strategy for the development of aquaculture
The Strategy for the Development of Aquaculture (EDA) in Mozambique aims to promote commercial aquaculture, involving small-scale producers and attracting the private sector to invest in the activity. The EDA envisages defining incentive packages, facilitating the investment process, improving the business environment, mitigating initial investment risks and facilitating access to financing. The sub-sector’s development approach is based on a combination of small-scale aquaculture practiced by local producers in partnership with the national and foreign business sectors, with state support through Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPPC).
Guiding principles for the development of aquaculture
In order to guarantee the rapid and sustainable development of aquaculture, the government has outlined a set of guiding principles. These principles include promoting sustainable production, improving the management of water resources, protecting the environment and promoting social and economic inclusion.
Pillars of the strategy for aquaculture development
The pillars of EDA’s strategy aim to solve the problems identified to ensure the sustainable development of aquaculture. These pillars include improving infrastructure and technology, strengthening institutional capacities, developing the market and promoting research and innovation.
Investment opportunities
The Mozambican government is committed to promoting commercial aquaculture, encouraging the participation of small-scale producers and attracting the private sector to invest in the activity. This scenario creates opportunities for investors interested in supporting and expanding aquaculture production in the country. The strategy for developing aquaculture in Mozambique aims to resolve the challenges identified and ensure sustainable growth. With the combination of small-scale aquaculture and the involvement of the business sector, a significant increase in fish production is expected, contributing to food and nutritional security, job creation and increased income for communities.
Financing aquaculture in Mozambique
Funding for the implementation of aquaculture development actions comes from the internal revenue budget, through tax and earmarked revenues. The government has defined aquaculture as a priority area, establishing a significant rate of earmarked revenue to boost its rapid development. The involvement of the private sector along the value chain is essential, and it is necessary to demonstrate the attractiveness of the business both domestically and for export. The support of cooperation partners is also crucial, mobilizing sufficient financial resources to implement the strategy.
Final notes
Aquaculture in Mozambique has enormous growth potential and offers significant investment opportunities. With the implementation of the Aquaculture Development Strategy, the country will be able to benefit from increased fish production, food and nutritional security, job creation, increased community income, tax revenues and foreign exchange.
