SOME people engaged in cage fish farming in Lake Victoria have called on the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) to address their various challenges in order to help them make investments in conducive and supportive environment.

This request was made recently in Ilemela District by Simon Nzumbi, Human Resources and Administration Officer at Big Best Fish Cage Investment Company, during a presentation of the challenges faced by the company to the chairman of the TIC Board of Directors, Dr Binilith Mahenge.

Nzumbi outlined several issues, including frequent power outages, the encroachment of fishing areas by illegal fishermen, and the limited space available for constructing fish ponds.

He also emphasised the shortage of fish feed, which depends on costly imports, as well as delays in clearing project containers at the port, even though agents have already paid the required fees.

“The lack of 20,000 square metres of space has become a significant obstacle to our plans to produce 900 to 1,200 tonnes of tilapia per month by 2026,” Nzumbi stated.

He further revealed that the company has so far stocked one million fish fingerlings in large cages, which are expected to mature and be ready for harvest by July 2025. By 2026, the company aims to expand from the current 112 cages to a total of 200 cages.

Addressing these concerns, Dr Binilith Mahenge, Chairman of TIC board, assured the company that the issues would be resolved, given the strategic importance of the investment to the region and the nation. The project is expected to generate 400 temporary and permanent jobs, as well as contribute to advancements in technology and capital inflow.

“Regarding the container delays, my team will prepare a report, and we will explore ways to expedite cargo handling. I believe that once you are registered with TIC and provide the necessary documentation, the process can be streamlined. Do not handle this alone—our office is here to support you,” said Dr Mahenge.