Department of Fisheries - Malawi

Two men found with 3 kgs of live Mozambican crabs

Police officers at the Six Miles Roadblock detained two Malawian men who were found in possession of 3 kgs of live brackish crabs imported from Mozambique.

Under the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (FCMA), no non-indigenous fish species may be brought in Malawi without prior approval from the Director of Fisheries. Following the interception, the Department of Fisheries seized and destroyed the crabs in accordance with Section 41(4) of the FCMA. Two police officers, namely, Assistant Superintendent Gertrude Tchuma and A/D/Sgt Mauluka, both from the Capital Hill police unit were present during the destruction process of these crabs

The Department of Fisheries wishes to remind the public that it is an offence to import any non-indigenous fish species into Malawi without authorization from the Director of Fisheries. The Department further advises that all imports and exports of fish and fish products require the necessary permits issued by the Department of Fisheries.

Let us all work together to protect Malawi's Aquatic biodiversity and fisheries resources.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

Happening Now: Deputy Minister visits Kasinthula Aquaculture Centre

The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira, MP, is today 12 June 2026, visiting Kasinthula Aquaculture Centre (KAC) in Chikwawa.

The Deputy Minister is viewing fish production facilities, engaging with technical staff, and learning about the centre's contribution to aquaculture development, food security, and livelihoods in Malawi.

He is also interacting with aquaculture investors on their operations, challenges, and opportunities for expanding fish farming in the country.

The Deputy Minister is accompanied by the Principal Secretary and officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Department of Fisheries and Chikwawa District Council.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

Minister of Natural Resources Visits Senga Bay Capture Fisheries Centre

The Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, on 10 June 2026 visited Senga Bay Capture Fisheries Centre (SCFC) in Salima to appreciate its operations, achievements, and challenges.

During the visit, the Minister toured key research facilities and laboratories involved in water quality monitoring, fish disease surveillance, plankton analysis, pollution assessment, and weather monitoring. She also received a briefing on the damage to the Centre's retention wall caused by rising lake water levels and wave action.

Honourable Wiskes commended staff for their dedication and recognized the Centre's important role in generating scientific information for sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource management. She further pledged Government support towards addressing key challenges, including rehabilitation of the damaged retention wall and improvement of aging infrastructure.

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira, MP, and officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Salima District Council, and the Department of Fisheries.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Salima District Council
Hon. Patricia wiskes

AU Commissioner visits Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited, reaffirms support for Malawi's Blue Economy Agenda

As part of the African Union Commission's 100-Day Action Plan, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, His Excellency Moses Vilakati, visited Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited in Salima to appreciate progress in commercial aquaculture development in Malawi.

The visit was part of an African Union Commission mission to Malawi from 1st to 3rd June 2026, which included high-level engagements with the Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, and the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Honourable Roza Fatchi Mbilizi, MP. The mission aimed to identify concrete intervention areas that can be financed and implemented as Member States operationalize the Kampala CAADP Strategy.

The Commissioner and his delegation were welcomed by the District Fisheries Officer for Salima, Mr. Patrick Zakeyo, and Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited management led by Mr. David Nkhwazi. The delegation toured the facilities and, among other activities, witnessed the harvesting of fish from the cages, gaining firsthand appreciation of the role commercial aquaculture plays in increasing fish production, creating jobs and strengthening food security.

His Excellency Vilakati emphasized the need for greater private sector participation in commercializing and transforming agriculture and aquaculture, highlighting the importance of strategic investments and partnerships in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.

As one of the African Union's pilot countries for advancing blue food systems, Malawi is well positioned to benefit from increased investment, innovation and regional collaboration. The visit signals renewed opportunities for sustainable aquaculture growth, value addition, market access, job creation, technology transfer and strengthened implementation of Blue Economy initiatives.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
African Union
LM Aquaculture Ltd
Ministry of Agriculture - Malawi

Malawi Fisheries Officers Graduate from the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland

The Department of Fisheries proudly congratulates Mr. Austin Mandawala and Mr. Madalitso Snake on successfully completing the prestigious GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland, implemented under UNESCO.

The six-month programme brought together 23 fisheries professionals from 15 countries for advanced training in fisheries policy, management, and sustainability. Participants received intensive training in project planning, resource economics, policy formulation, value chain analysis, and other key areas, while also undertaking country-specific research projects.

Mr. Austin Mandawala's research focused on the economic assessment of pond-based and cage-based aquaculture enterprises in Malawi, while Mr. Madalitso Snake examined opportunities for improving sun-drying practices for Usipa to enhance product quality and value.

The graduation ceremony was held on 20 May 2026 at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

We celebrate this remarkable achievement and commend their dedication to advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Malawi. We look forward to the valuable knowledge and expertise they will contribute towards the growth and transformation of the sector.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Embassy of Iceland in Lilongwe

Minister of Natural Resources Engages CP Feeds for Aquaculture Development in Malawi

The Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, on 13th May 2026 engaged with private sector company CP Feeds Limited in a meeting aimed at advancing fish feed production and aquaculture development in Malawi. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Natural Resources headquarters at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.

Speaking during the meeting, Honourable Patricia Wiskes described aquaculture as one of Malawi’s key sectors with great potential to contribute towards food security, employment creation, and national economic growth. She observed that the country is currently facing high demand for fish amid declining fish stocks in Lake Malawi, making aquaculture a critical solution for increasing fish production.

The Minister further noted that fish feed production remains inadequate to meet the growing demand from fish farmers across the country. She therefore emphasized Government’s commitment to engaging strategic private sector partners such as CP Feeds Limited to unlock investments capable of boosting production across the aquaculture value chain.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of CP Feeds Limited, Mr. Nizam Kasmani, assured Government of the company’s readiness and capacity to invest in aquaculture development in Malawi. Mr. Kasmani disclosed that the company is already producing approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of chicken feed annually, demonstrating its strong production capacity and technical expertise in feed manufacturing.

He further stated that CP Feeds Limited has the capacity to produce up to 45,000 metric tonnes of fish feed through utilization of the existing Kanengo feed mill, operationalization of the Mzuzu Fish Feed Mill, and establishment of additional facilities where necessary.

Mr. Kasmani also expressed interest in investing in fingerling production, both pond and cage aquaculture, including possible operations in Salima and at Kasinthula Aquaculture Centre. He commended Government for creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in aquaculture and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Department of Fisheries.

The meeting also discussed the need for increased investment in fingerling production to support Malawi’s target of producing 100,000 metric tonnes of fish annually by 2030. Current national demand for fingerlings is estimated at 125 million.

During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Malawi, through the Department of Fisheries and CP Feeds Limited. The MoU focuses on the implementation of a fish feed trial in Mangochi and marks the beginning of broader collaboration between Government and the private sector in transforming Malawi’s aquaculture industry.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

Minister Tours Lusangazi Fish Farmers Cooperative, Applauds Aquaculture for Wealth Creation

On 22 April 2026, the Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, continued her tour of aquaculture sites in the Northern Region with a visit to Lusangazi Fish Farmers Cooperative near Mzuzu. The cooperative has benefited from support from partners including the GIZ Sustainable Aquatic Food (SAF) Project and the Malawi Food Systems Resilience Program (MFSRP).

The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Natural Resources, Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali; the Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana; officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources; the GIZ Malawi Country Director, Dr. Inge Baumgarten; and representatives from the SAF Project and MFSRP. The delegation toured the farm facilities and commended the capacity-building support provided by the SAF Project, which includes training in fish farm management, fingerling and feed production, as well as post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing.

In her remarks, the Minister praised the cooperative for its hard work and commitment to adopting aquaculture technologies that enhance production. She agreed with the local traditional leader, Group Village Headman Chauluma Kaunda, that the cooperative has moved beyond poverty reduction and is now contributing to wealth creation through aquaculture. She also expressed appreciation to GIZ for its strong partnership with the Department of Fisheries in empowering small-scale fish farmers to sustainably increase production through climate-smart aquaculture while strengthening the aquaculture value chain in Malawi. She emphasized the critical role of fish farming in creating employment, generating income, and improving food and nutrition security and urged development partners to continue to provide support to the aquaculture sub-sector.

Speaking at the event, GIZ Malawi Country Director Dr. Inge Baumgarten highlighted the long-standing partnership between the German Government and Malawi. She noted that, in recognition of the aquaculture sub-sector’s potential to contribute to national development goals, GIZ has supported both policy development within the Department of Fisheries and technical capacity building for small-scale fish farmers. During the visit, the SAF Project handed over a Chitofu 3-in-1 fish processing unit to the cooperative to promote environmentally friendly and safe fish processing.

The Minister was also briefed on initiatives under MFSRP aimed at enhancing the commercialization of Lusangazi Fish Farmers Cooperative and improving their economic livelihoods through aquaculture. The program has provided the cooperative with a matching grant facility to finance the construction of fish ponds, feed mill and cold room housing, and the procurement of a fish feed mill and cold storage equipment. The Minister visited the construction site for these facilities and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.

The SAF Project is funded by the German Government through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and seeks to harness the potential of sustainable aquatic foods to transform agriculture and food systems in Malawi. The MFSRP, funded by the World Bank, aims to strengthen the resilience of food systems by rebuilding agricultural production capacity and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
GIZ Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

Minister of Natural Resources visits Mudimwa Fish Farming Club to appreciate Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Systems

On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, the Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, visited Mudimwa Fish Farming Club at Ntchenachena in Rumphi District. The site is a beneficiary of the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada’s Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project, which aims to increase productivity, incomes, and market access for small-scale food producers—especially women—through integrated systems combining fish, crops, livestock, and agroforestry.

In her remarks, Honourable Wiskes emphasized that the Government has placed food security at the centre of its development agenda, highlighting the critical role of increased fish production in achieving this goal. She noted that fisheries contribute significantly to Malawi’s socio-economic development through income generation, job creation, and improved nutrition. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the integrated aquaculture-agriculture model at Mudimwa, describing it as a promising approach for improving rural livelihoods and reducing poverty.

She further noted that integrated systems enhance resilience to climate change by promoting efficient water use, diversified production, and sustainable land management. Honourable Wiskes called on development partners to continue supporting and scaling up such initiatives for greater national impact. She also stressed the need to increase per capita fish consumption to promote a healthier and more food-secure population, while commending CDF Canada for its continued support to the fisheries sector.

Earlier, the CDF Canada Representative, Mrs. Tiwonge Soko, highlighted key achievements of the project, including the provision of fingerlings, fish feed, and irrigation equipment to beneficiary communities. She added that the project has also supported households with food relief during lean periods and strengthened the capacity of government extension officers to ensure sustainability beyond the project lifecycle. She further underscored the project’s commitment to environmental conservation through tree planting initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and restoring ecosystems.

Other speakers included the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali; Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana; Council Chairperson for Rumphi, Mr. Butawo; and a representative of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, Senior Chief Mwalweni, among others.

The IAAM Project is a five-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by the Norwegian Government and is being implemented in eight districts: Chitipa, Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Ntchisi, Dowa, Zomba, and Thyolo. It is being implemented by CDF Canada in collaboration with key partners, including the Government of Malawi, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi Federation of Cooperatives (MAFECO), Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO), AWFISHNET Malawi, Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), and Community Agribusiness Partners (CAP Malawi).

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
CDF Canada - IAAM Project
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi
Community Agribusiness Partners-CAP Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

Department of Fisheries Supports Schools and Cooperatives with Fish Processing Equipment and Nutritious Fish Powder

In April 2026, the Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), distributed essential fish processing equipment to selected fish cooperatives and delivered nutritious fish powder to primary schools in Salima and Mangochi districts.

The beneficiary groups included Nguwo, Ngodzi, and Chifatso Care Group in Salima District, as well as Kacheta, Mwalamba, and Titukulane cooperatives in Mangochi District. The equipment, comprising digital weighing scales, impulse sealers, cooler boxes, buckets, and protective gear, will enhance hygiene, efficiency, and the overall quality of fish powder production.

The Department is working closely with the cooperatives to supply fish powder to nearby primary schools. Packaged in convenient 1kg units, the fish powder is being provided as a nutrient-rich supplement under a pilot arrangement. Each cooperative will supply consistent quantities over a specified period while adhering to strict safety and quality standards.

The cooperatives have also undergone training in food safety and hygiene, business management, procurement procedures, and compliance with standards set by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).

This initiative is part of the FAO-funded “Strengthening Capacity of Small-Scale Aquatic Food Producers for School Food and Nutrition Project,” which aims to improve nutrition among school children while enhancing livelihoods of small-scale fish producers.

Key partners include the Department of School Health, Nutrition and HIV & AIDS of Ministry of Education, Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), World Food Programme (WFP), and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Minister of Natural Resources visits LUANAR to Strengthen Partnership for Fisheries and Aquaculture development

Today, 11th April 2026, the Minister for Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes MP, paid an official visit to the Centre for Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). She was accompanied by officials from the Ministry including the Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana, and the Director of Planning, Dr. Hamilton Kamwana.

The Minister commended LUANAR for its critical role in developing skilled human resources and driving innovation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. She emphasized that increased fish production in Malawi depends on strong partnerships between Government and research institutions, describing LUANAR as a key strategic partner in achieving national food and nutrition security goals.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit and continued Government support. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration in research, innovation and capacity building to transform the fisheries sector.

The Centre for Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries was also recognized for its achievements, including training and graduating a significant number of Master’s and PhD students who are contributing to the sector. It continues to support Government mega farm initiatives by providing technical expertise and has become a hub for fingerling production, playing a critical role in expanding aquaculture in Malawi.

The visit included a tour of key facilities such as the aquaculture laboratory and fish farm, followed by discussions focused on identifying strategic areas of collaboration and interventions to accelerate commercialization and sustainable growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Professor Emmanuel Kaunda