Rwanda Fish Production Soars 66% in Major Turnaround

Rwanda's fishing industry just pulled off a remarkable comeback story, growing 66% in the first quarter of 2026 after years of struggling to stay afloat.

The turnaround is especially striking because the sector was in crisis mode just two years ago. Between late 2022 and mid 2024, fish production consistently shrank, hitting a low point of minus 10% growth in late 2023.

But something changed. The sector's contribution to Rwanda's economy jumped from 11 billion Rwandan francs in early 2024 to 27 billion francs by early 2026, more than doubling in just two years.

The secret to success wasn't luck. It was a combination of tilapia cage farming on major lakes, new hatcheries producing quality baby fish, and better access to nutritious fish feed that helped the fish grow faster and healthier.

Cécile Uwizeyimana, an aquaculture specialist at Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture, says the Kwihaza Project played a key role by training farmers and connecting them with financing. The government also cracked down on illegal fishing, protecting fish populations while supporting sustainable practices.

Private companies stepped up too. Kivu Choice, a major fish farming operation, now produces about 800 metric tonnes of fish monthly, making up more than half the country's farmed fresh fish. The company recently secured $15 million to triple production from 9,000 to 30,000 tonnes annually by 2029.

Emmanuel Bahizi, Kivu Choice's managing director, says the growth shows what happens when innovation meets commitment to food security. His company increased production by more than 30% in early 2026 and expects another 46% jump in the coming months, while expanding jobs from 700 to 1,200 employees.

On the ground, farmers like Themistocles Munyangeyo are seeing the difference firsthand. He raises tilapia in floating cages on Lakes Kivu and Muhazi and says production in the first half of 2026 nearly matched his entire previous year's output.

The Ripple Effect

This fishing revival means more than just numbers on a chart. Rwanda aims to boost national fish production from 10,000 metric tonnes to 30,000 by 2029, which would dramatically improve access to affordable protein across the country.

The growth is creating hundreds of jobs throughout the supply chain, from hatchery workers to cage farmers to distributors. Every new job represents a family with more stability and opportunity.

The success also offers a blueprint for other landlocked countries looking to boost food security through aquaculture. Modern farming techniques, quality inputs, farmer training, and sustainable practices proved they could reverse years of decline in just 18 months.

Rwanda's fishing sector went from sinking to swimming strong, proving that with the right support, struggling industries can stage remarkable comebacks.