Tanzania’s fisheries sector has recorded outstanding performance in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with fish production increasing by 10.02% whilst the sector’s contribution to national food security and economic development continues to expand. The growth represents a significant achievement in the government’s Blue Economy strategy, positioning Tanzania as a leading fisheries producer in East Africa.

Fisheries Sector Overview: A Pillar of the Economy

The fisheries sector contributed 1.6% to Tanzania’s GDP in 2024, recording a growth rate of 2.3%. Whilst this may appear modest compared to other sectors, the fisheries industry supports approximately 6 million Tanzanians across the value chain, including 205,559 fishers and 53,992 aquaculture farmers.

The sector’s importance extends beyond its direct GDP contribution. Fisheries play a critical role in food security and nutrition, providing 30% of animal-source protein consumed in Tanzania. This makes fish an essential component of the national diet, particularly for coastal and lakeside communities where fish is the primary source of animal protein.

Record Production Levels

Total fish production reached 659,242.69 tonnes by April 2026, representing a 10.02% increase from 599,200.33 tonnes produced during the same period in 2024/2025. This impressive growth has been driven by expansion in both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture production.

Wild Capture Fisheries

Capture fisheries contributed 477,661.93 tonnes to total production, up from 466,956.88 tonnes in 2024/2025. This increase reflects improved management of fisheries resources, better enforcement of fishing regulations, and investments in fishing infrastructure.

Tanzania’s marine fisheries operate along the extensive Indian Ocean coastline, whilst inland fisheries exploit the country’s share of the Great Lakes (Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa) as well as numerous smaller lakes and rivers. Each water body has distinct fish species and fishing practices, requiring tailored management approaches.

Aquaculture Expansion

Aquaculture production surged to 181,580.76 tonnes by April 2026, compared to 132,243.45 tonnes in 2024/2025. This remarkable 37.3% increase demonstrates the sector’s rapid growth and its potential to complement capture fisheries in meeting rising demand for fish products.

The expansion has been driven by increased adoption of fish farming by smallholder farmers, establishment of commercial aquaculture operations, and improved availability of fingerlings, feeds, and technical support. Nile tilapia and African catfish dominate production, with growing interest in high-value species for export markets.

Export Performance and Foreign Exchange Earnings

Tanzania’s fisheries sector continues to generate significant foreign exchange through exports of fish and fish products. By April 2026, the country had exported 37,988.30 tonnes of fisheries products valued at TSh 493,159,932,259.50.

Ornamental Fish Trade

The ornamental fish trade has emerged as a lucrative export segment, with 209,772 ornamental fish worth TSh 2,456,123,765.43 exported by April 2026. These fish, primarily sourced from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi/Nyasa, fetch premium prices in international markets.

Tanzania’s endemic cichlid species are particularly prized by aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. The ornamental fish trade provides income opportunities for specialist collectors and exporters whilst supporting conservation through sustainable harvesting practices.

Export Markets

Fisheries exports generated TSh 13,422,684,227.38 in profits by April 2026, contributing to Tanzania’s foreign exchange reserves and supporting the balance of payments. Key export destinations include the European Union, Middle East, Asia, and neighbouring African countries.

Nile perch from Lake Victoria remains Tanzania’s flagship fisheries export, with established supply chains to European markets. Dried and smoked fish products target regional markets in central and southern Africa, whilst frozen and fresh fish serve diverse international markets.

Improved Food Security and Nutrition

Per capita fish consumption increased by 27.8%, rising from 7.9 kilograms per person per year in 2024/2025 to 10.1 kilograms by 2025/2026. This significant improvement in fish consumption contributes to better nutrition, particularly through provision of high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients.

The increase in fish consumption has been facilitated by:

– Greater availability of fish through increased production

– Improved distribution systems connecting producing areas to urban markets

– Better preservation and cold chain infrastructure reducing post-harvest losses

– Growing consumer awareness of fish’s nutritional benefits

– Competitive pricing of fish relative to other animal proteins

Despite this progress, Tanzania’s fish consumption remains below the global average, indicating substantial scope for further growth as production expands and distribution systems improve.

Revenue Generation

The fisheries sector generated substantial revenue for government during 2025/2026 through various fees, licenses, and royalties. By April 2026, total revenue collection from fisheries reached TSh 23,787,894,591, representing significant growth in the sector’s fiscal contribution.

Export Licensing and Royalties

Export royalties totalled TSh 13,557,983,379 by April 2026, representing 58% of the annual target of TSh 23,413,333,333. Fishing and export licenses generated TSh 1,019,798,058, achieving 93% of the targeted TSh 1,095,832,500.

These revenue streams fund fisheries management, research, and development activities whilst ensuring that Tanzania captures appropriate value from its fisheries resources. The government is reviewing royalty rates to balance revenue generation with maintaining competitiveness in export markets.

Import Royalties

Import royalties on fisheries products reached TSh 9,251,989,387 by April 2026, dramatically exceeding the annual target of TSh 2,500,000,000 by 370%. This exceptional performance indicates substantial importation of fisheries products, likely including fish meal for aquaculture and livestock feeds.

Movement Permits and Licensing

Movement permits for fish and fisheries products generated TSh 5,078,243,763, exceeding the target of TSh 3,133,333,333 by 162%. This strong performance reflects growing formalisation of fish trade and improved compliance with movement requirements.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) fishing licenses yielded TSh 1,709,790,000, representing 55% of the target. These licenses allow foreign vessels to fish in Tanzania’s maritime waters under regulated conditions, generating revenue whilst ensuring sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Aquaculture Development Initiatives

The Ministry has prioritised aquaculture expansion as a strategy to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks whilst meeting growing demand for fish products. During 2025/2026, significant investments were made in aquaculture infrastructure and support services.

Training and Capacity Building

A total of 7,459 individuals received short-term training in various fisheries and aquaculture skills during 2025/2026. The training programmes covered:

– Commercial fish farming (183 trainees)

– Marine shrimp farming (208 trainees)

– Crab fattening techniques (157 trainees)

– Seaweed cultivation (293 trainees)

– Practical training for university students (730 trainees)

– Fish processing and value addition (1,564 trainees)

– Equipment maintenance and cold storage systems (54 trainees)

– Boat operation and safety (147 trainees)

– Marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance (1,009 trainees)

– Water safety, swimming, and rescue (209 trainees)

– Fisheries resource management for Beach Management Units (94 trainees)

– Quality control for industry workers (254 trainees)

– Nutrition and food safety for students (2,557 trainees)

These comprehensive training programmes are building human capital across the fisheries value chain, from production through processing to marketing and consumption.

Hatchery Development

The Ministry is developing aquaculture breeding centres to ensure adequate supply of quality fingerlings for fish farmers. The Mwamapuli breeding centre is being established to produce fingerlings of priority species for distribution to farmers.

Improved fingerling supply addresses a major constraint facing aquaculture expansion. Many farmers currently struggle to obtain fingerlings in sufficient quantities and at appropriate times for stocking their ponds. Dedicated breeding centres will ensure reliable fingerling availability at competitive prices.

Marine and Coastal Management

Tanzania’s 1,424-kilometre Indian Ocean coastline and extensive marine Exclusive Economic Zone provide substantial fisheries resources that require careful management to ensure sustainability.

Beach Management Units

Beach Management Units (BMUs) have been established in fishing communities to promote participatory management of fisheries resources. BMUs bring together fishers, fish traders, and other stakeholders to develop and enforce local fishing regulations, manage landing sites, and coordinate resource conservation efforts.

The Ministry trained 94 BMU leaders in fisheries resource protection, control, and governance during 2025/2026. These trained leaders serve as change agents in their communities, promoting sustainable fishing practices and combating illegal fishing.

Marine Protected Areas

Tanzania has designated several Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to conserve critical marine ecosystems and fish breeding grounds. These include marine parks, reserves, and conservation areas that balance resource protection with sustainable use by local communities.

The Village Conservation Committees in Mafia Island Marine Park received specialised training and support to enhance their role in marine resource management. These community-based structures are essential for effective conservation in areas where local communities depend on marine resources for livelihoods.

Infrastructure Development

The Ministry has invested in fisheries infrastructure to improve post-harvest handling, reduce losses, and enhance market access for fishers and fish farmers.

Fishing Ports and Landing Sites

During 2026/2027, the Ministry plans to complete construction of three fishing markets at Manda (Ludewa), Zingibari (Mkinga), and Kasanga (Kalambo). These facilities will provide proper infrastructure for fish trading, including covered areas, cold storage, and clean water.

Three fishing landing sites at Ng’ombo (Nyasa), Chifunfu (Sengerema), and Igabiro (Bukoba) are nearing completion. Landing sites provide essential infrastructure for fishers to land their catch, access markets, and receive support services.

The design of Bagamoyo Fishing Port has been completed, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026/2027. This major port will serve as a hub for industrial fishing operations and fish processing, enhancing Tanzania’s capacity to exploit deep-sea fisheries resources.

Processing and Cold Chain

Value addition facilities are being established to reduce post-harvest losses and capture more value from fish production. The Ministry trained 1,564 individuals in fish processing techniques during 2025/2026, building capacity for quality improvement and product diversification.

Cold chain infrastructure, including ice-making plants and cold storage facilities, is being expanded to maintain fish quality from harvest through distribution. Proper cold chain management is essential for accessing premium export markets and reducing spoilage in domestic markets.

Fisheries Research and Innovation

The Ministry conducts research to support sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development. Research priorities include:

– Stock assessment of major commercial fish species

– Development of locally-produced aquaculture feeds

– Breeding programmes for indigenous fish species

– Climate change impacts on fisheries resources

– Post-harvest processing technologies

– Market development and value chain analysis

Research findings inform policy decisions, guide management interventions, and support technology transfer to fishers and fish farmers.

Blue Economy Strategy

Tanzania’s National Blue Economy Policy of 2024 provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable exploitation of marine and freshwater resources. The policy emphasises:

– Sustainable management of fisheries resources

– Development of aquaculture and mariculture

– Marine transport and port development

– Tourism and recreation in coastal and lake areas

– Oil and gas exploration in offshore waters

– Marine research and technology

– Climate change adaptation and environmental protection

The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries plays a central role in implementing fisheries-related components of the Blue Economy strategy, working in coordination with other agencies responsible for maritime affairs, tourism, and environmental management.

Challenges Facing the Sector

Despite impressive growth, Tanzania’s fisheries sector faces several challenges:

Overfishing and Resource Depletion

Some fishing grounds show signs of overfishing, with declining catch per unit effort and changes in species composition. The Ministry is strengthening monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to combat illegal fishing and enforce sustainable harvest limits.

Climate Change Impacts

Rising water temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and ocean acidification affect fish populations and fishing patterns. The sector must adapt to these changes through climate-smart fisheries management and diversification of production systems.

Limited Value Addition

Much of Tanzania’s fish is exported in low-value forms (whole frozen fish) or sold domestically with minimal processing. Investment in value addition could capture more economic benefits whilst creating employment in processing activities.

Infrastructure Gaps

Many fishing communities lack adequate landing sites, cold storage, and market facilities. This results in post-harvest losses estimated at 20-30% of catch and limits fishers’ ability to access profitable markets.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

IUU fishing undermines sustainable resource management and deprives the government of revenue. The Ministry is strengthening surveillance systems, including establishment of fisheries protection stations, to combat illegal fishing.

Future Outlook

The fisheries sector’s strong performance in 2025/2026 demonstrates its potential for continued growth. The 2026/2027 budget prioritises:

– Completion of major infrastructure projects (Bagamoyo port, fishing markets, landing sites)

– Expansion of aquaculture through breeding centres and farmer support

– Strengthening fisheries surveillance and enforcement systems

– Investment in value addition and processing facilities

– Climate change adaptation measures

– Technology transfer and capacity building

With approximately 6 million Tanzanians depending on fisheries for livelihoods and the sector contributing significantly to food security, continued investment in sustainable development is essential. The Blue Economy approach provides a framework for maximising benefits from aquatic resources whilst ensuring long-term sustainability.

Tanzania’s extensive water resources—both marine and freshwater—provide substantial potential for fisheries development. With proper management, technological advancement, and infrastructure investment, the sector can continue its impressive growth trajectory whilst supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing to national development goals.

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For more East African fisheries and Blue Economy coverage, visit Kilimokwanza.org.