The company, based in the Nyamasheke district, is aiming for rapid expansion. It aims to increase its yearly output from the present 3,500 tonnes to over 8,000 tonnes annually. , according to the director and founder of the Kivu Choice aquaculture project, Kamran Ahmad. Its ambition is to reach 30,000 tonnes of annual production by 2030, which would make it the largest fish farm in Africa.
Strategic investment in aquaculture development
The Rwandan government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), is banking on aquaculture as an essential element for boosting food security and stimulating the local economy. Jean Claude Ndorimana, Director of Livestock at MINAGRI, recently called for greater investment in this sector. The aim is to facilitate the establishment of specialized companies, through incentive policies and appropriate infrastructures.
Fish consumption in Rwanda is still very low, with an average of 3.45 kg per inhabitant per year according to MINAGRI, far from the 20 kg recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). By boosting local production, the government hopes to reduce dependence on imports and improve access to animal proteins for the population.
Kivu Choice : a model of innovation and growth
Since its creation in September 2021, Kivu Choice has established itself as a pioneer in Rwandan aquaculture. The company has several infrastructures at its disposal, including a hatchery for large-scale production of fry, a system of modern rearing cages on Lake Kivu and a high-performance distribution network, with several sales outlets across the country. The economic impact is also significant. 360 direct jobs have already been created, and this figure could rise considerably as production ramps up. The company also works with many local fishermen and farmers, contributing to the development of local communities.
One of the key elements in Kivu Choice’s growth has been the rehabilitation of the Kigembe fish farm. This previously under-utilized facility has seen its fry production rise from 100,000 to 7 million per month in just two and a half years. A large proportion of these fry are then transported to the Kivu Choice facilities on Lake Kivu, ensuring constant stock renewal and sustainable production.An ambitious future and a host of challenges
Kivu Choice’s ambition is clear : to become the largest fish farm in Africa, reaching 30,000 tonnes of annual production by 2030. To achieve this, the company will have to meet a number of challenges, including infrastructure expansion : current production capacity will have to be extended, with new cages and more efficient processing facilities; adaptation to environmental conditions: exploiting Lake Kivu requires sustainable management of aquatic resources to avoid over-fishing or ecological imbalances; and local and regional market development: a massive increase in production implies strong demand.
The Kivu Choice initiative is part of a wider drive to boost food security in Rwanda. By increasing local production, the country will be able to reduce its imports, which will have a positive impact on the balance of trade. In addition, the development of aquaculture creates new jobs, not only in fishing, but also in related sectors such as transport, fish processing and sales.
