EGYPT – In a comprehensive report released by the Dutch banking group Rabobank and Global Seafood Alliance in November 2023, the global aquaculture industry is poised for significant growth in 2024, with a particular focus on the tilapia sector.

While Egypt is expected to continue its dominance on the African continent, other countries are set to drive global tilapia production to new heights.

According to the report, Egypt, heavily reliant on aquaculture to fulfil its fish demands, is projected to achieve a groundbreaking production of 1.1 million tonnes of tilapia by the end of 2024.

This places Egypt at the third position globally, following China and Indonesia. Despite a 5.2% increase from the 2023 production estimates, this growth aligns closely with the industry’s average annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2010 and 2021, which stood at 5.1%.

The industry, recovering from a contraction in supply witnessed in 2020, is experiencing a resurgence, surpassing 1 million tonnes after continuous growth from 2012 to 2019.

Private sector investments, particularly in intensification of production systems and adoption of advanced technologies like richer extruded feeds and water circulation systems, are anticipated to bolster this positive trend.

The top 5 tilapia-producing countries, including Egypt, are expected to drive a 5% global production growth, reaching over 7 million tonnes in 2024.

This group is projected to experience an impressive 17.6% increase in production, surpassing any other region globally and exceeding the CAGR of 13.2% recorded between 2010 and 2021.

Nigeria is expected to capitalize on this momentum, with continued investments aimed at enhancing tilapia production, solidifying its position as the second-largest producer on the African continent.

In Ghana, where tilapia constitutes 80% of fish production, the sector is anticipated to maintain its upward trajectory.

The installation of additional cages on Lake Volta will contribute to this growth, although challenges persist, particularly in the production of aquaculture feed.

In addition, Zimbabwe remains a key player, with Lake Harvest Aquaculture leading tilapia production on Lake Kariba in the north.

Operating the largest integrated tilapia production facility on the continent, the company exports to several countries, including Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, the DRC, and Botswana.

As the global tilapia landscape evolves, Egypt’s continued dominance sets the stage for collaborative growth across diverse regions, fostering a robust and resilient global tilapia sector in 2024.

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