Aquaculture in East Africa has tremendous potential to contribute to food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Recognizing this opportunity, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), with funding from the European Union, launched the TRUEFISH Project. The project aims to stimulate a more competitive regional aquaculture industry in East Africa, with a particular focus on Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, by improving access to commercial networks for aquaculture-related businesses. TRUEFISH delivers this through three main areas: (i) facilitating an increased flow of investment into the sector, (ii) enhancing regional aquaculture associations through business-to-business (B2B) linkages and study tours, and (iii) establishing a flagship biannual East African aquaculture exhibition and conference. The €1.7 million EU-funded aquaculture project is overseen by LVFO and implemented by Landell Mills in partnership with Imani Development.

Achievements in Regional Collaboration

A cornerstone of TRUEFISH’s success has been the establishment of the East African Aquaculture Exhibition and Conference (EAAEC). Since its inception, the EAAEC has brought together key players in the aquaculture sector, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Two in-person events have been successfully hosted: in Bondo, Kenya, in March 2023, and in Mwanza, Tanzania, in August 2024. These regional meetings showcased technological advancements in aquaculture, training and business networking opportunities with several stakeholders, including farmers, investors, and policymakers.

These conferences have also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability, with the upcoming World Aquaculture Safari 2025, scheduled for Entebbe, Uganda, this June. Hosted by the World Aquaculture Society and Landell Mills, under the theme “Aquaculture on the Rise”, the event aims to showcase the African aquaculture industry and promote global networking.

World Aquaculture Safari ’25 is expected to attract over 2,000 participants and further elevate the region’s aquaculture sector on the global stage. The summit is anticipated to have a lasting impact on aquaculture in East Africa.

Driving Investment into Aquaculture

Another focus area for the TRUEFISH project is facilitating increased investment in East African aquaculture. Progress to date includes the development of a Standardised Business Plan for Aquaculture in East Africa, a tool that bridges the communication gap between aquaculture businesses and potential investors. Moreover, the project has completed an investor mapping exercise that identifies key players and funding sources to catalyse growth in the sector.

Efforts are currently underway to develop an Investment Good Book—a concise and visually engaging profile of the aquaculture sector—and mentorship models providing technical and business guidance for medium-sized aquaculture projects. The advantages of investing in the East African aquaculture sector will be detailed in an easy-to-read sector profile document and infographics. These initiatives aim to enhance the sector’s attractiveness to both domestic and international investors.

Strengthening Associations and Facilitating Knowledge Exchange

TrueFish Study Tour delegation visiting Chinese fish farm. Photo Credit: TrueFish Project

TrueFish Study Tour delegation visiting Chinese fish farm. Photo Credit: TrueFish Project

Regional aquaculture associations play a pivotal role in building sector-wide capacity and fostering collaboration. TRUEFISH has supported the formation of the East African Regional Aquaculture Association (EARAA), a key body driving unity and coordination among stakeholders.

Furthermore, the project’s emphasis on study tours has been instrumental in exposing stakeholders to best practices globally. A study tour to China in November 2023 was hailed as a success, offering participants insights into advanced aquaculture techniques. The tour brought together five delegates from Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Building a Sustainable Future

Through its multi-faceted approach, the TRUEFISH Project is creating a robust foundation for sustainable aquaculture development in the Lake Victoria Basin. By addressing key challenges—such as limited investment, fragmented networks, and capacity gaps—the project is unlocking the sector’s potential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods across East Africa.

TrueFish Study Tour delegation visiting China. Photo Credit: TrueFish Project

As the project progresses into its next phases, its focus on regional collaboration, investment facilitation, and capacity building will ensure that East Africa’s aquaculture industry not only thrives but becomes a model for sustainable development on the continent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Chido

Chido Myambo is the Marketing and Communications Officer at Imani Development. Chido is responsible for content creation and management of all corporate communications. She enjoys writing about climate smart solutions, women’s empowerment and sustainable development issues. She holds a Master’s in Development Finance with the University of Stellenbosch Business School.