The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) is constructing a national research and breeding center aimed at increasing local fish production and reducing the country’s reliance on fish imports.
The new facility, located in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, will focus on providing high-quality broodstock, which is expected to minimize dependence on imports that can introduce diseases. According to Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General of Animal Resources Development at RAB, the center will play a critical role in promoting aquaculture research, particularly the genetic improvement of local fish species.
The center is designed to produce between 1 to 3 million broodstock annually, supporting local hatcheries with quality fish stock and ensuring sustainability in the sector. This initiative is part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to enhance fish production through environmentally sustainable practices, including the growth of cage fish farming.
Certified private hatcheries and cooperatives will benefit from access to improved fingerlings and better farm management techniques.
By 2035, Rwanda aims to achieve an annual aquaculture-based fish production of 80,620 tonnes as outlined in its National Aquaculture Strategy, contributing significantly to the country’s food security and economic development.
