ZANZIBAR: Tanzania’s semi-autonomous island region of Zanzibar is courting private investors to expand fish processing capacity, aiming to convert its rich marine resources into higher export earnings and local jobs.
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries confirmed ongoing talks with investors to establish modern fish processing plants in Unguja and Pemba, as part of broader value-addition reforms.
Globally, fisheries and aquaculture generate more than 60 million jobs and supply nearly 20 per cent of animal protein consumed worldwide, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
In Tanzania, the sector supports hundreds of thousands of coastal livelihoods but remains largely export-oriented in raw or semi-processed form.
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Deputy Minister Mboja Ramadhani Mshenga told parliament that an investor linked to Manta Reef Hotel has already launched fish processing operations and is expanding production. Additional plants are planned in Mkoani, with small-scale facilities encouraged across the islands.
Construction of sardine processing factories is under way in Fungurefu, Unguja, and Ndagoni, Pemba.
The government says the strategy will reduce post-harvest losses, increase incomes for fishers and strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional seafood markets, particularly within the East African Community.
