BlueInvest Africa 2024
Aquaculture Briefs
African aquaculture, primarily focused on freshwater farming of tilapia and catfish, is rapidly developing. Most African states need to import fish to meet domestic demand. As a result, many entrepreneurs have seized the potential growth opportunities in this sector. Furthermore, in a context of rising population, increasing the supply of farmed fish has become strategic to enhance the continent's food security. Here are some notable examples marked by innovation.
LA CABANE PENCHÉE - SENEGAL
In 2019, Khadim Tine founded Senegal's first oyster farm in the lagoon of La Somone, 80 km from Dakar, on the Petite Côte. Thanks to his innovative spat collection system (banks of oyster larvae), his company, La Cabane Penchée, sells 6 tons of mangrove oysters on the Senegalese market every year. He has formed a partnership with a collective of wild oyster gatherers transitioning to oyster farming, as farming is less physically demanding and more respectful of mangroves than traditional harvesting from mangrove roots. Aware of the need to continue developing the oyster farming sector, particularly to enhance food security, La Cabane Penchée has also become a training center for young people and women who are traditionally responsible for collecting oysters in the mangroves. La Cabane Penchée is integrated into the multi-stakeholder partnership of the oyster value chain of the FISH4ACP program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with the support of the European Union.
More info: Facebook Profile
TRY - GAMBIA
TRY is not a company, but a Gambian community organization that aims to develop female entrepreneurship in mangrove oyster production. Founded by Fatou Mboob, it plays a crucial role as a partner of the FISH4ACP program of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, supported by the European Union. TRY focuses on empowering oyster harvesters through training programs in sustainable harvesting techniques and mangrove management. By encouraging environmentally friendly practices, TRY contributes to the preservation of local ecosystems while increasing community incomes. The organization also offers training in financial management and entrepreneurship, helping women develop their own businesses and secure a better future for their families.
More info: Facebook Profile
ALIMPOI – IVORY COAST
Alimpoi, an Ivorian start-up from the suburbs of Abidjan, is a pioneer in the production of feed for fish farms. Working based on European standards, the company aims to distinguish itself through the quality of its feed, rich in both plant and animal proteins, specifically designed for tilapia. These feeds also have the ability to float, which minimizes water pollution in farming ponds. More importantly, Alimpoi is committed to supporting the local economy by purchasing 100% of its raw materials from Ivorian farmers. This sustainable approach also allows the company to offer affordable prices.
More info: Alimpoi
POLY-ÉLEVAGE – IVORY COAST
Led by Augustin Millan, a champion among young aquaculture entrepreneurs in Côte d’Ivoire, Poly-Élevage is based at Ferme Millan, about a hundred kilometers northwest of Abidjan. The primary activity there is tilapia farming, but in response to the need to develop African aquaculture for food security reasons, Augustin Millan offers various services to other aquaculturists: supply of fry, supply of feed (black soldier fly larvae), consultancy, and more. The farm is also a training center for fry rearing, fly farming, and aquaculture business management. Poly-Élevage is a key member of the multi-stakeholder partnership of the farmed tilapia value chain established in Côte d’Ivoire by the FISH4ACP program of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, supported by the European Union.
More info: Poly-Élevage
FLOURISHING CENTER FISH FARM – NIGERIA
Leading several farms in Nigeria, Flourishing Center Fish Farm raises catfish and tilapia, meeting the local demand for fresh fish. However, the company aims to optimize its production by exploring innovative techniques and methods, particularly in recirculation, breeding, and feeding. For instance, the farm practices the joint farming of agoutis, chickens, and snails to maximize resource utilization and enhance productivity: the droppings from chickens and agoutis enrich the aquatic environment, while the snails contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Flourishing Center Fish Farm also aims to play a role in food security and poverty reduction by training local farmers in best aquaculture practices.
More info: Flourishing Center Fish Farm
FRIJAY CONSULT LTD – NIGERIA
The Frijay Group, a major Nigerian conglomerate, is known for its diversified portfolio, with a particular focus on aquaculture, a sector in which it controls the entire value chain, from fry production to distribution and processing. The group is working towards developing sustainable aquaculture, initiating various projects on its farms to reduce environmental impact by improving water recirculation techniques and using eco-friendly feeds. On the social front, Frijay Group collaborates with local organizations to train youth and women in aquaculture, aiming to contribute to food security and economic development.
More info: Frijay Group
AFRASON AQUACULTURE – ZIMBABWE
Afra Nhanhanga is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur. Leading the country's first bus fleet, she has diversified into aquaculture with the goal of empowering women. Through her company, Afrason Aquaculture, she trains young girls and women in aquaculture to boost their participation in this high-growth potential economic sector and to help them improve household food security and income. She also conducts research on fish feed and feeding methods, including collaboration with the Chinhoyi University of Technology, to reduce production costs. Afrason Aquaculture is involved in Zimbabwean projects under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's FISH4ACP program, supported by the European Union.
More info: LinkedIn page