Nation Leverages Fish for Economic Growth, Food Security: Ministry of Agriculture

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2025 (ENA) -- Ethiopia Eyes the vast potential of its Fish Resources to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and attract investment, according to Mnistry of Agriculture.

Tsigereda Fekadu, Lead Executive for Livestock and Fishery Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, informed ENA that the ministry is actively working to leverage fisheries to support the country's economic growth.

Highlighting Ethiopia's abundant water resources, increasing population, and favorable government policies, she emphasized the nation's potential as a promising market for investors in the fish farming sector.

"Ethiopia is prioritizing the development and utilization of its underutilized fish resources to drive economic growth and ensure food security," Tsigereda stated. "Our aim is to improve nutrition and economic well-being for our citizens while also exploring opportunities for international trade."

She further noted the significant growth in Ethiopia's fish production, from 72,000 to 138,000 tons annually, attributing this increase to the heightened focus on the sector.

Tsigereda also emphasized the country's wealth of aquatic resources, including numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands that support a diverse ecosystem, noting that sustainable management and utilization efforts are in progress for Ethiopia's water resources, with major infrastructure like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) attracting both domestic and international investment in the fishing sector.

"Fish breeding and distribution initiatives have shown great success," Tsigereda stated. "The government is integrating fish farming with agriculture, which includes constructing fish cultivation ponds and ensuring a sufficient supply of fish feed for farmers."

She also stated the importance of refrigerated transport in improving fish product distribution.

"The underutilization of human and material resources, coupled with the prevalence of traditional, inefficient practices, hinders the sector from reaching its full potential," she explained, adding, "Overcoming these obstacles through strategic improvements and modern techniques is essential."

To encourage investment, the Ministry of Agriculture has conducted thorough research and feasibility studies, leading to more favorable conditions for both local and foreign investors, she emphasized.

Tsigereda concluded by stressing the substantial market opportunity for investors in Ethiopia's growing and vital fish sector, driven by its large population, abundant aquatic resources, and supportive policies.