Tanzania fish exports rise 11.3% to US$181.6M
The East African nation's seafood earnings grew due to investments in processing, preservation, and logistics, boosting international competitiveness.
Tanzania's fish exports reached US$181.6 million in the year ending August 2026, an 11.3% increase from US$163.1 million the previous year. This growth, attributed to improvements in processing, preservation, and logistics, highlights the impact of investments in seafood processing, cold storage, and export infrastructure. The Bank of Tanzania reported the US$18.5 million rise, underscoring efforts to strengthen the country's position in global markets.
Lake Victoria contributes an estimated 80% to 85% of Tanzania's annual fish exports, which range between 57,000 and 60,000 tonnes. Nile perch fillets are a primary export, supplying markets in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Sardines from Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika, along with fish maws sent to China and Hong Kong, also contribute to export earnings. The United States, the European Union, and other African nations are also key export destinations.
Initiatives like the Fish4ACP project are enhancing processing capabilities and reducing post-harvest losses. Improved smoking kilns and energy-efficient stoves minimize smoke exposure and contamination, while solar-powered freezers and new ice plants in Kigoma and Uvinza, with a capacity of 15 tonnes daily, are cutting production costs by 50%. Training in marketing, financial literacy, and fisheries regulation further supports the sector's development.
Why it mattersFarmers and fishers are affected by the increased export earnings and investments in processing and infrastructure that improve their livelihoods.