Zambia Breaks Regional Record in Fish Production

Zambia has officially become Southern Africa’s leading aquaculture producer, after recording a record-breaking 89,342 metric tonnes of fish in 2024, the highest output in the region’s history.

The announcement was made by Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Shadreck Mungalaba, during a workshop on sustainable aquaculture investment held in Lusaka.

Mungalaba described the milestone as a significant step toward improving national food security and driving economic growth.

“This achievement is a result of the good policy the government is putting in place, and the deliberate support that is being given to not only the farmers, but indeed all the players in the fish value chain,” he said.

The record production comes at a time when Zambia is intensifying efforts to grow its aquaculture industry as a sustainable source of income, nutrition, and employment across the country.

FAO Country Representative Suze Percy-Filippin commended Zambia’s progress, noting that the development highlights what is possible through strong partnerships, targeted investment, and clear policy direction.