Six months after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Aquaculture Consultancy Botswana (ACB) and Baisago University officially launched an annual seminar last Thursday aimed at enhancing the fish farming business in Botswana.
The aquaculture connect forum, themed “Building Resilient Fish Value Chains in Botswana,” brought together fish farmers, aspiring farmers, representatives from relevant government departments, and financial institutions, among others, to analyze gaps, explore opportunities, and propose sustainable solutions for Botswana’s aquaculture sector.
Speaking at the launch held at Baisago University, ACB Founder and Lead Trainer, Seloilwe Seloilwe recounted that in an MOU signed with Baisago University on 10 March, both parties committed to implementing Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)-accredited, hands-on aquaculture courses through Baisago University.
He said the seminar fulfills part of their agreement, in which both parties pledged to engage, empower, and support key players in the industry. Through the hands-on courses, he added, they will incorporate both indigenous knowledge and scientific approaches into the curriculum to expose young farmers to the realities of fish farming.
Seloilwe explained that their main focus is to ensure sustainability, knowledge and skills exchange, and resource mobilization within the aquaculture industry. He said it is high time Botswana shifted from importing thousands of tonnes of fish to producing the required quantity locally.
He noted that in 2024, only 500 tonnes of fish were produced locally, while national demand stood at 5,000 tonnes. This left a shortfall of 4,500 tonnes, which is currently met through imports.
According to Seloilwe, 4,500 tonnes of fish is estimated to be worth between P167,000 and P377,000, depending on wholesale rates. He therefore emphasized the importance of developing fish farming and encouraging more people to venture into the industry.
Seloilwe concluded that if more people venture into fish farming, there will be a significant rise in production and local demand will be met. He noted it would no longer be necessary to spend thousands and millions of Pula importing fish and fish products.
For his part, Baisago University Managing Director, Odirile Gabasiane stated that the institution has identified gaps within the industry that require intervention. He said they have since decided to introduce aquatic-related short programs, including scuba diving, safety in fish farming, and broader aquaculture studies.
He explained that the goal is to empower young people and aspiring fish farmers to thrive safely and innovatively in the space. Gabasiane emphasized that, unlike other universities, Baisago seeks to close gaps by creating programs that are much needed in various professions, citing real estate infrastructure in financial management as examples.
Another speaker, Ketani Phiri, Chobe Aqua Farms Aquaculture Manager, highlighted the importance of filling gaps within the fish farming value chain. He said not everyone who ventures into the business should be a fisherman, noting that others could venture into supplying fish feed, manufacturing, packaging and selling fish, or producing fish by-products.
Additionally, Women in Business Association (WIBA) President Christinah Leshego stressed that there are women who are willing to venture into fish farming, but are limited by resources, skills, and funding. She noted that including them in such forums could help strengthen and empower them on how to get started.
ACB and Baisago University pledged to collaborate with other partners to strengthen fish farming in Botswana, noting that the sector has potential to revive the country’s economy and benefit Batswana.
