Malawi today took a significant step forward in agricultural innovation with President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera officially opening the state-of-the-art Mzuzu Fish Feed Factory, a facility designed to strengthen the fish farming industry of the country. Speaking at the event, the President highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture and diversification through initiatives such as Fish Feed Mill, which aligns with the broader vision of Mega Farms.

In his speech, President Chakwera highlighted the misconception surrounding mega-farms, clarifying that the concept extends beyond agriculture to include fishing and livestock. “Mega farms are not just about planting seeds; their aim is to create value for farmers through initiatives such as this fish feed factory,” he said.

The new factory, developed with support from the African Development Bank, is at the heart of the government’s plan to create mega fish farms in districts such as Karonga, Nkhatabay, Salima and Mangochi. These regions already rely heavily on aquaculture, employing more than two million Malawians and supplying fish throughout the country, including remote areas like Nsanje.

President Chakwera highlighted the critical role the facility will play in sustaining fish production and improving the quality of aquaculture products. “Without adequate infrastructure and factories like this, we risk depleting the fish stocks we all depend on. This feed mill is a step towards protecting our resources for future generations,” he said.

The President set an ambitious target for the fisheries sector: to produce 100,000 tonnes of high-quality fish per year by 2030. He noted that achieving this target would not only ensure food security, but also generate important currencies for the country.

The event also celebrated the collaboration between government and stakeholders, including the African Development Bank and the Mega Farms Unit, whose partnership ensured the success of the project.

President Chakwera concluded his speech by reiterating his administration’s commitment to meaningful development that benefits Malawians every day. “When we talk about progress in Malawi, we mean projects like this, initiatives that improve the quality of life and ensure sustainable growth,” he said.

The Mzuzu fish feed factory now stands as a symbol of Malawi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture, promising to revolutionize the fish industry and contribute to the economic resilience of the country.

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