By Alfred Zachariah
Tanzania's fishing sector is a major economic driver, generating an impressive 2.94 trillion shillings annually, with an average growth rate of 1.9% per year, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th Meeting of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Ministers responsible for Fisheries, Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers, held at the Mwalimu Nyerere Hall in Dar es Salaam, Majaliwa detailed the sector's impact.
He revealed that the average annual fish production in the country reaches 472,579 tons. Of this, 429,168 tons—about 91%—come from traditional fishing in natural waters, including seas, rivers, and lakes, while 43,411 tons, or 9%, are produced through aquaculture.
Majaliwa, addressing the assembly on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, highlighted that approximately 230,000 people are engaged in small-scale fishing daily, and nearly six million Tanzanians benefit indirectly from this sector. "Small-scale fishing contributes more than 95% of the total fish catch in the country," he noted.
The Prime Minister emphasized Tanzania's significant investment potential in aquaculture, attributing it to the country's vast water resources, including the Indian Ocean, numerous lakes, rivers, and both natural and man-made ponds.
He pointed out that Tanzania's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 223,000 square kilometers, representing about 24% of the nation's land area. Currently, commercial fishing in this zone is predominantly conducted by distant water fishing nations under licensing agreements.
Majaliwa outlined various investment opportunities within the EEZ, including the acquisition of fishing vessels, investment in maritime services, supply of fishing gear, and food distribution (water, food, and fruits). There are also prospects for increasing value through processing, research, and marine and aerial surveillance.
Additional investment opportunities include deep-sea fishing for tuna, seaweed farming, and the production of fish fry and feed. The Prime Minister also underscored the vast potential in fish processing and marine infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, Majaliwa expressed hopes that the meeting will provide strategic guidance to high-level decision-making bodies within the OACPS, aiming to enhance the management of oceans, fisheries, and sustainable fish farming practices.
