Africa’s fish farming boom gets sustainability boost in Uganda
Lionel Kinadjian, a fisheries and aquaculture officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) speaks to journalists in Uganda on June 23, 2025. PHOTO/TREVOR GODFREY LUTALO
What you need to know:
- Uganda’s aquaculture sector has grown dramatically from producing 2,300 tonnes in 2002 to around 124,000 tonnes by 2020, now accounting for 22 percent of national fish output.
Uganda has launched a regional workshop aimed at embedding newly developed global guidelines for sustainable aquaculture, a move seen as critical in accelerating growth in Africa’s fastest-expanding food sector.
The two-day workshop titled “Promoting the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA)” kicked off Monday, June 23, 2025, in Entebbe. It brings together policymakers, private sector leaders, scientists, and farmers from across the continent to shape a path toward environmentally sound and economically viable fish farming.
“Africa has a huge potential for commercial aquaculture development,” said Mr Lionel Kinadjian, a Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for managing risks and attracting sustainable investment,” he added.
FAO, along with member countries, developed the GSA to help governments at all levels support aquaculture expansion without compromising ecosystems or livelihoods. Uganda, hailed as a “leader country” in the field, is now spearheading efforts to domesticate these global policies.
Uganda’s aquaculture sector has grown dramatically from producing 2,300 tonnes in 2002 to around 124,000 tonnes by 2020, now accounting for 22 percent of national fish output. Yet, the country still faces a 300,000-tonne annual fish deficit, with national demand nearing 870,000 tonnes.
To close the gap, the Ugandan government has set an ambitious target of 1 million tonnes in aquaculture production in 2025.
Despite strong growth, the sector faces numerous bottlenecks. Uganda currently produces just 300 million fingerlings annually, far short of the 2.5 billion required, while the annual fish feed demand is 1.5 million tonnes, with a current shortfall of 1.2 million tonnes.
A fishmonger vends tilapia fish in Uganda. PHOTO/FILE/TREVOR GODFREY LUTALO
Mr Belemane Semoli, Chairperson of the Aquaculture Network for Africa, emphasized the importance of translating global frameworks into local action. “From regional to sub-regional and eventually national levels, these guidelines must become living policy tools to help our countries meet food security and job creation goals,” he said.
Fred Formaneck, a private sector representative from Advanced Africa Group, cautioned that while regulation is critical for sustainability, overregulation could stifle innovation and progress. “We must find a balance that encourages responsible growth,” he noted.
Uganda’s Assistant Commissioner for Aquaculture Management, Mr Andrew Alio, reiterated government commitment to sustainable development. “Aquaculture is the order of the day now. We need these guidelines to ensure that growth is not only rapid but responsible,” he said.
The workshop also aims to spark national action plans, facilitate knowledge exchange, and craft communication strategies for stakeholder engagement. Participants will identify key bottlenecks, share best practices, and develop roadmaps for integrating GSA into country-level plans.
Currently, around 60 percent of Ugandan aquaculture is practiced by smallholder farmers operating over 20,000 fish ponds, with the sector directly supporting over 28,000 livelihoods. Stakeholders believe embedding sustainability now will define the long-term success and resilience of Africa’s aquaculture boom.
