By Ncaba Ntshakala
Eswatini has taken a major step towards strengthening its aquaculture industry and ensuring food security with the official launch of the country’s first Advanced Aquaculture Research and Production Centre.
The facility, which aims to transform the fish farming sector, was officially opened by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, through the representation of Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka.
The launch event, held at the Malkerns Research Station, was hailed as a game-changer in the nation’s drive towards food sovereignty, economic diversification, and sustainable agricultural practices.
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The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of the aquaculture sector aligns with His Majesty King Mswati III’s bigger vision for economic transformation and national prosperity.
“When he opened parliament, His Majesty said that Eswatini is on the cusp of something great, of entering Canaan as it were.
As a government, we believe in this divine foresight of Imbube Yemhlaba. It is projects like these that will catapult us to First World status,” he stated.
One of the most pressing challenges facing fish farmers in Eswatini has been the scarcity of fingerlings—young fish that are essential for aquaculture production.
Without a reliable supply of fingerlings, farmers struggle to maintain consistent production levels, limiting the industry’s growth.
The new facility is set up to address this challenge by producing fingerlings on a large scale, ensuring that farmers across the country have access to high-quality stock for their operations.
In addition, the centre will serve as a hub for research into innovative production techniques and efficiency interventions that will further develop the aquaculture sector.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the critical role that fish farming can play in combating malnutrition, particularly among young children.
“This country needs to increase its options when it comes to sources of protein, especially to fight stunting in young children.
With the lead of the Ministry of Agriculture, the government has identified fish as an affordable source of protein,” he said.
Dlamini further noted that beyond improving nutrition, fish farming presents a viable economic opportunity for many households and young people, given the short maturity period of fish and the increasing demand for seafood in local and international markets.
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The establishment of the Aquaculture Research and Production Centre is part of the government’s major strategy to achieve food sovereignty and end hunger and poverty in the country.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these objectives were commissioned by Sibaya, and the government remains committed to fulfilling them.
He further urged fish farmers to take full advantage of the new facility, as it will not only provide access to fingerlings but also offer guidance and support in best practices for sustainable fish farming.
Apart from the aquaculture, the Prime Minister pointed out that Eswatini has vast water bodies that can support a thriving blue economy.
“We need to develop this industry further because there are many water bodies in this country that would support a thriving aquaculture and blue economy,” he remarked.
The centre will play a key role in unlocking the full potential of the country’s aquatic resources, positioning Eswatini as a leader in the region’s fish farming sector.
The success of the project was made possible through the strong partnership between Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for Taiwan’s continued support, recognizing its contributions to various sectors of Eswatini’s economy.
“We can never express our gratitude to our longstanding friends, the Republic of China (Taiwan), loudly enough for making these essential projects the resounding successes they are,” he said.
He further noted that Taiwan has been instrumental in developing key initiatives across the Kingdom, from agriculture to infrastructure and financial services.