Government Boosts Aquaculture Growth in Senanga

Speaking during the first harvest ceremony of the Senanga Aquaculture Expansion Project in Senanga District, Western Province, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Acting Permanent Secretary Lemmy Kafwamfwa said the project demonstrates the Government’s resolve to stimulate rural industrialisation and sustainable economic growth. Mr Kafwamfwa said the project is a clear demonstration of how collaboration between Government and various stakeholders can transform rural communities through productive investments. “This harvest is expected to yield over 300 metric tons of fish per production cycle.

This is not a small feat. It represents a direct and meaningful contribution towards closing Zambia’s protein gap and reducing our reliance on imported fish,” He said. Mr Kafwamfwa further said the development demonstrates in the clearest terms, how strategic partnerships between Government, local communities, and financial institutions can transform rural economies and advance climate-smart, community-driven development.

Mr Akapelwa expressed confidence that the success of the project is a strong indication that Western Province is making steady progress towards sustainable economic growth and rural industrialisation. “Western Province is greatly encouraged by the collaborative efforts between the Government, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Barotse Royal Establishment, and our local cooperatives. Through this partnership, Senanga is becoming a model for aquaculture development, contributing to increased fish production, improved household incomes and enhanced economic opportunities for our citizens,” Mr Akapelwa said.

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And Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission Director General Charles Muwe, in a speech read on his behalf by CEEC Director of Finance Ophelia Nyambe, described the project as a demonstration of the Commission’s value chain development approach aimed at empowering citizens through district-based industries. Dr Muwe stressed the importance of prudent management of the project to guarantee its long-term sustainability and continued benefits to beneficiary cooperatives. “We pledge to continue our monitoring of this project to ensure its continued sustainability and success, and we will continue to share information about opportunities like this one through platforms such as this event and other media avenues,” He said. Speaking in a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiary cooperatives, Silvia Imasiku thanked the Government through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for the support rendered throughout the implementation of the project.

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