Tanzania is positioning aquaculture as an increasingly important driver of food and nutrition security, employment, investment and economic growth, with the country’s abundant aquatic resources providing opportunities for expansion across freshwater and marine production systems.
This was highlighted in AgriGens Newsletter Volume 28, Article 2, which focuses on Tanzania’s emerging aquaculture potential and its invitation to the global aquaculture community to participate in the World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026 (WA26T) and Aquaculture Africa 2026 (AFRAQ26).
The article notes that Tanzania’s aquaculture sector has historically remained below its potential despite the country’s extensive water resources, favourable climate, coastline and growing demand for fish. However, the sector is now experiencing increasing activity, with cage farming expanding, hatchery and feed capacity growing, and investment interest emerging across the aquaculture value chain.
According to the newsletter, Tanzania’s geographical advantages make it well positioned for aquaculture development. The United Republic of Tanzania combines mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with a 1,424-kilometre Indian Ocean coastline, extensive marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as access to major lakes, rivers, reservoirs and wetlands.
The newsletter identifies Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as the dominant freshwater farmed species in Tanzania, supported by established production knowledge, consumer acceptance and adaptability.
Tanzanian tilapia and other locally appropriate species also contribute to freshwater aquaculture. While pond farming remains an important foundation for many farmers, cage culture is increasingly providing a route towards more intensive production in suitable lakes and reservoirs.
The article reports that the number of cages increased from 50 in 2014/2015 to 3,343 in 2025/2026, with both small-scale farmers and larger commercial enterprises participating.
On the marine side, seaweed remains a major component of Tanzania’s aquaculture sector. The newsletter describes Tanzania as a major African seaweed producer, contributing more than 90 percent of Africa’s seaweed production.
Other cultured species mentioned include shrimp, mud crab, sea cucumber, milkfish and pearl oysters, offering additional opportunities for diversification where technically and environmentally appropriate.
The article places particular emphasis on World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026 (WA26T), being held alongside Aquaculture Africa 2026 (AFRAQ26) from December 1–4, 2026, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The event is expected to bring together aquaculture professionals, producers, researchers, policymakers, investors, development partners, students and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond.Under the theme “Aquaculture Driving Blue Transformation,” the conference programme will feature scientific and technical sessions, an international trade exhibition, industry forums, student activities, workshops, training, networking and aquaculture-related excursions.
The article concludes that Tanzania’s aquaculture development is increasingly being viewed not only as a livelihood activity but as a potential strategic industry capable of contributing to nutritious food production, employment, investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.With WA26T and AFRAQ26, Tanzania is seeking to place its aquatic resources and aquaculture opportunities within a wider global conversation about sustainable, inclusive and resilient aquatic food systems.
AgriGens Newsletter Volume 28, Article 2 therefore presents Tanzania’s aquaculture journey as one centred on unlocking aquatic resources, strengthening production systems, attracting investment and fostering international collaboration towards Africa’s broader blue transformation.
