Improved value chain, digital platform boost Tanzania’s fish exports

DODOMA: Implementation of the FISH4ACP initiative in Lake Tanganyika has boosted fisheries and aquaculture value chains in western Tanzania by empowering small-scale fishers, processors and traders and linking them to the Digital Marketplace Innovation (Tanfish Market), which provides access to both domestic and international markets. Women beneficiaries showcasing their products at the ongoing National and International Nane Nane Exhibition at the Dr John Samuel Malecela Grounds in Dodoma told reporters that they can now process and package fish products that meet international standards and export them to markets in South Africa, the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The six-year project (2020–2026) is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under the funds from the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

One of the beneficiaries, Mgeni Edward Lubinsha, a mother of eight from Kabwe Village in Nkasi District, Rukwa Region, said the project has transformed her business after equipping her with modern fish processing skills, improved technology and market linkages. She said her monthly sales have increased from modest earnings to between 1 million/- and 5 million/-, depending on the size of customer orders. Now a fishing boat owner and fish processor, Ms Lubinsha professionally packages her products and supplies both domestic and international buyers, including customers in the United States and South Africa.

“Before receiving training under the FISH4ACP project, I bought large quantities of sardines (dagaa), but profit margins were low because of poor processing methods and high post-harvest losses. After FAO’s training, I improved my processing techniques, resulting in better-quality products and higher returns,” she said. ALSO READ: Tanzania’s fish trade goes digital Another beneficiary, Amina Kasinge, a fish processor and fishing boat owner from Katavi Region, said that before joining the EU- and BMZ-funded project, she struggled to find reliable markets because of poor fish drying techniques, inadequate processing equipment and high post-harvest losses.

She said her daily income previously ranged between 15,000/- and 20,000/-, but has now increased significantly, with earnings reaching …